SAITAMA (FIBA World Championship) - Prince Hitachi Masahito and Princess Hitachi Hanako were in attendance to represent the Imperial House of Japan on the first day of the eight-finals.

The Prince and his wife were welcomed by FIBA President Carl Men-Ky Ching and watched the second eight-final of the day between Lithuania and Italy.

Prince Hitachi, a member of the Japanese Imperial Family, is the younger brother of the Emperor Akihito.

He is mainly known for his philantrophic activities and his research on the causes of cancer.

The Prince is the second son and sixth born child of the HIM Showa Emperor and HIM Empress Kojun. Currently, he is third in line to the Chrysanthemum throne.

The Japanese monarchy is the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world still in existence. The Imperial House recognizes one undred and twenty-five legitimate monarchs since the accession of Emperopr Jimmu (traditionally dated to February 11, 660 BCE) including the reigning emperor, Akihito.

The Imperial House of Japan comprises members of the extended family of the reigning Emperor of Japan who undertake official and public duties, as well as their minor children. Under Japan's present Constituion, the Emperor is the symbol of the state and unity of the people. Other members of the imperial family perform ceremonial and social duties, but have no role in the affairs of government.

Prince and Princess Hitachi are currently presidents of societies concerned with international exchange (such as the Japan-Sweden Society, Japan-Belgium Society), the disabled (Japanese Society for Disabled Children) and the conservation of nature (Japanese Society for the Preservation of Birds).

Prince Hitachi currently hold positions as president and honorary positions in at least fourteen organisations.

He is expected to be present for the closing ceremony of the FIBA World Championship next Sunday.

By Simon Wilkinson, FIBA