First ‘Emperor with Degree from UOT by Privilege’ in History? Criticism of the ‘Special Measures’ for Prince Hisahito's Advancement to School Never Stops

 (Added.)



As already reported in this blog, information on the high school education of Prince Hisahito (15), the only son of the Akishino family, is a hot issue in Japan right now.

 

It has been reportedly confirmed that Prince Hisahito will attend Tsukuba University High School (Tsukufu) after graduating this spring from the junior high school attached to Ochanomizu Women's University, which he currently attends. 

Note: According to the January 21 issue of Shukan Bunshun, the students who will be admitted to Tsukufu under the "Affiliated School Admission System," which is supposed to be used by Hisahito, were decided on January 8. So Hisahito should have already received his acceptance letter. However, His acceptance will be announced after the general entrance exam acceptance announcement in mid-February so that it is impossible to tell whether he used the Affiliated School Admission System or not.



The Daily Shincho, an online news site, reported on January 17 that the Imperial Household Agency, which has jurisdiction over the Imperial Family, is even more alarmed by this development than the Komuro issue.

 

According to the report,

 

"The IHA seems to be paying more attention to the 'how to go on to the school' rather than to the school itself," said the Social Affairs Department desk of a newspaper. The "how" refers specifically to the "affiliated school advancement system" introduced by Tsukuba University and Ochanomizu University in 2017.

 

“It has been rumored that Prince Hisahito is considering using this system to enter Tsukufu, but it seems that this is now becoming a reality. This system allows students to transfer to schools attached to both universities after going through an interview and document screening,” he said.

 

By the way, no academic test is required. As a matter of fact, it is not uncommon in the world for prestigious schools to open their doors to children of good families. So why is it that "how" gets so much attention?

 

This system was established at a time when Prince Hisahito was preparing to enter junior high school, and it was also positioned as a five-year temporary experiment.

 

“In short, it covers the period from his junior high school to high school. This system was not created by the Imperial Household Agency, nor is it related to it. Since this system was established after Prince Eugene entered Ochanomizu, the Imperial Household Agency is wary that there will inevitably be a backlash from the public,” the desk above said.

 

As the media coverage of Mako's marriage intensifies, we are hearing more and more words such as "imperial privilege". The IHA is wary of this.

 

“At the time of Mako's marriage, we found that there were a certain number of people who expressed strong resistance to taxation, as exemplified by the criticism of the lump-sum wedding payment. （Omitted）On the other hand, since this higher education is related to Prince Hisahito himself, and it concerns the future Emperor of Japan, the IHA had no choice but to be nervous about it,” he said.

 

A reporter who covers the IHA pointed out:

 

“I think it would be more natural for the people to think that this program is for His Highness, due to the timing and history of its establishment. Even if this is not actually the case and there are other circumstances, the people may continue to feel uncomfortable about His Highness' higher education. That would not be a happy situation for either the Imperial Family nor the people.”

 

He then continued:

 

“In the case of the ‘Komuro problem,’ Prince Akishino repeatedly stated that an explanation was needed in order to create an environment that would be blessed by the people. The IHA seems to think that it will be difficult to know what kind of explanation to give if someone points out that the same thing can be said for this higher education. Furthermore, if he were to go on to study at Tsukufu, there is talk of him being recommended for admission to the University of Tokyo. If this is the case, it could put a dent in the future trust in His Majesty the Emperor, and there are some who are concerned about this.”

 

Note: Admission by recommended admission system is very rare case in the University of Tokyo, Japan's top of top university, with very few exceptions.

 

Of course, it has not been confirmed that Prince Hisahito will go to Tsukufu or that he will be recommended for admission to the UOT. It is also said that his academic ability is very good. I am sure that the IHA is not alone in wanting to settle this matter in a way that as many people as possible will feel comfortable with.

 

 

 

When the above article was published on a major news site, the comments section was filled with strong reactions such as,

"He should take the test properly.”

"They're underestimating public opinion too much if they don't realize that they're seen as sneaky people.”

“Are you going to change the rules to suit yourself and then hold a press conference and say ‘That’s all slander” when you're criticized?”

 

The headwind against the Akishino family, which has the first and second in line of succession to the throne, is unlikely to abate.

場所: Japan

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