Japan's Prince Hisahito Starts College Life

Tsukuba, Ibaraki Pref., April 5 (Jiji Press)--Japanese Prince Hisahito on Saturday attended the entrance ceremony at the University of Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture, northeast of Tokyo, starting his college life.

"I am grateful that I can learn in various academic fields, including those that I have been interested in," the 18-year-old son of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko told reporters before the ceremony.

"I also want to enjoy activities other than academic work," said Prince Hisahito, who was clad in a dark blue suit.

Prince Hisahito, the nephew of Emperor Naruhito who is second in line to the throne, became a student at the College of Biological Sciences of the university's School of Life and Environmental Sciences.

"I feel anxious about my new life, but I will cherish each and every experience I have from now on," he said. "I plan to ride my bicycle to get around the campus between classes."

[Copyright The Jiji Press, Ltd.]