Prince Hiro of Japan at five years old in traditional robes
Nov. 07, 1964 - Prince Hiro of Japan bids farewell to Infancy; 5 year old Prince Hiro of Japan, went through two ceremonial functions this week, bidding farewell to infancy. His parents Crown Prince Akihito and Princess Michiko watched their son perform the traditional court duties at their Togu Palace in Tokyo. In the center of the hall the little Prince stood in deep scarlet robe with waterfall patterns. Two Chamberlains proceeded to the Prince and helped him into a white silk hakama (a pleated skirt). This is called Chakko-no-gi. Minutes later, Prince Hiro appeared again, this time in a dogyfuku robe, a gift from the Emperor and Empress with a fan in the right hand, and a pine twig in the left. He then mounted a chess table where a third chamberlain trimmed his hair, after which the little Prince bowed to his parents. This marked the end of the record ceremony called Fukasogi to gi. Prince Hiro was then taken to pay his respects before his grandparents, the Emperor and Empress. Photo Shows Young Prince Hiro wearing his full traditional robes and holding a fan and pine twig after the ceremony of attaining boyhood
