Japan on Saturday heralded the coming-of-age of Prince Hisahito with an elaborate ceremony at the Imperial Palace, where a succession crisis is brewing.

The nephew of Emperor Naruhito and second in line to become emperor after his father, the 19-year-old received a black silk and lacquer crown at the ceremony, which marks the beginning of his royal adult life.

¡°Thank you very much for bestowing the crown today at the coming of age ceremony,¡± Hisahito said, clad in the traditional yellow costume for minors, bowing to Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, who smiled at him.