New prince

[Stan Sakai]

Japan's Princess Kiko gave birth to a boy Wednesday morning in Tokyo.

This is the first male born into the Imperial Family since his father, Prince Akishino, 41 years ago.

The new prince becomes third in line to succeed the Chrysanthemum Throne, behind Crown Prince Naruhito and Prince Akishino.

The new birth puts on hold a movement to revise the Imperial House Law to allow females to accede the throne. Throughout Japan's history, there were eight empresses though none in modern times.

The new prince has two sisters, Princess Mako (14) and Princess Kako (11).

[Robert Wetherelt]

Well "omedeto" to the new parents! A long and happy life!

[Stan Sakai]

The young prince had his naming ceremony on Tuesday. He is named Hisahito, which means "virtuous, calm and everlasting."

[estee]

So does this mean the son will be crowned before his older sisters?

[Andy]

The young prince had his naming ceremony on Tuesday. He is named Hisahito, which means "virtuous, calm and everlasting."

To name a baby a name that means "calm" seems like wishful thinking on the parents part! Maybe we should've named our newborn that!

[Stan Sakai]

So does this mean the son will be crowned before his older sisters?

Yes. As the line of descent is currently written, only males will ascend the throne. Naruhito is first in line, then his younger brother Akishino (the new daddy), then the infant Hisahito. After 40 years without a male heir, there was a movement to enable females to sit on the Chrysanthemum Throne.

With the birth of a boy however, that amendment has been put on hold.