Prince Hisahito, 3rd in line to the throne, turns 11

Outdated sexist nonsense. although perhaps the women of the family welcome the opportunity for increased normalcy.

Mako is gorgeous

TBH just make Princess Kako Empress. I think most people would be happy with that

Looks like a normal 11-yr old boy, except for the shoes. I mean, seriously, get the kid something NORMAL for a walk in the backyard... forest. But, I have to say, in 30+ years in Japan, that is the warmest photo of anyone from the 'Imperial Family' that I have seen. It looks like his sisters love him to bits. I hope that after the photoshoot he went and rolled down the hill.

Poor kid. At least his sisters can escape by marrying.

The reason he looks so happy is he has no idea how busy he will be when he's next in line or on the throne

@rik. we are on the same wave link. the first thing i noticed was his shoes.

Yeah I bet he has some wicked blisters OUCH!

Mako is gorgeous

As you can see by your downvotes, Kako is the people's champ.

As you can see by your downvotes, Kako is the people's champ

Who cares? I post to make my opinion heard- not for scoring points with other posters. People who do that are pathetic.

@ All - I'm with you all the way on that one. I say what I sink needs to be said. I'm not doing it for the approval of the other posters.

It should say Aly, but it autocorrected when I wasn't looking

The same with sink instead of think

What is not "normal" about a nice pair of leather loafers for an official photo shoot?

For an old man, great. For an 11 year old? Every family photo makes me sad for the kids in this family. Horrific clothes, nasty backgrounds (this is the nicest I've seen) and knowing they have never had a "normal" childhood. I admit, I can't help but think this kid must be a nightmare due to him knowing he's the only hope for the royal family. Stupid laws and stupid sexism.

I have relatives in the US whose kids get dressed in their "Sunday best" including good shoes, to attend church or weddings, or when going to the photo studio to get family portraits, etc. I guess you consider that abnormal and horrific.

"Sunday best", to attend church or weddings, family portraits,... We are clearly from a different generation.

Poor kid... On his birthday, the main topics are his status and his shoes...

going to the photo studio to get family portraits

If we go with the MiL, yes, everybody all dressed up and polished, she's a very old lady, it's what she wants and expects. When we go with the kiddies, the studio lends out costumes and the kids enjoy getting dressed up as Disney characters, princesses (dresses and kimono) and whatever else takes their fancy. Lots of fun.

Granted, this isn't that kind of photo. A huge improvement on the tatty-couch-in-front-of-the-pegboard things though. Even with the awful old man/old lady shoes and dowdy frocks.

Happy birthday! I always remember how old he is because he and my youngest brother are the same age. We have a big age difference so I'll probably always think of him as my baby bro--even though as I read this article I realize 11 is hardly a baby anymore!

"Sunday best", to attend church or weddings, family portraits,... We are clearly from a different generation.

I agree that the law is stupid in regards to only males being able to take over the throne. However, wearing formal clothes, no matter how uncool/dated, at a family portrait is pretty much the norm spanning across all generations. I will try to run across to my wife for the kids to wear T-shirts and sandals at the next arm and a leg costing photo studio trip and she will probably laugh me out of the house.

Nothing wrong with having kids dress in nice clothing for a picture. One just doesn't need to dress an 11 year old as if he were an old man.

Re kid's poor choice of clothes, it's quite surprising really as his dad has always had great fashion sense.