Two knives were found near the school desk of 12-year-old Prince Hisahito, Kyodo news agency reported, citing police sources. The incident happened just days before his grandfather, Emperor Akihito, abdicates from the throne.

CCTV footage from noon on Friday allegedly shows a helmeted man dressed as a construction worker entering the Ochanomizu University Junior High School in Tokyo. Prince Hisahito was said to be absent at the time when the trespass occurred. Police declined to comment further on the issue after being asked by AP.

Prince Hisahito made his most recent public appearance a few weeks ago, when he posed with his parents following his graduation from elementary school in Tokyo. Shortly afterwards, he enrolled in his current institution as the Japanese school year began in April.

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The incident occurred as Japan makes its final preparations for the abdication ceremony of 85-year-old Emperor Akihito on April 30, marking the end of his three-decade reign. Akihito, who is voluntarily stepping down due to health problems, will be succeeded by Crown Prince Naruhito. His nephew Hisahito is third in line to the Chrysanthemum Throne.

AFP graphic showing the family tree of the Japanese monarchy as parliament passes law clearing way for ageing Emperor Akihito to step down pic.twitter.com/LHb0GCJDPi — AFP news agency (@AFP) June 9, 2017

The Japanese monarchy, whose history stretches back 2,600 years, nowadays fulfils a purely symbolic role. The Emperor is constitutionally deprived of any political powers, although this did not prevent Akihito from voicing “deep remorse” over Japan’s role in World War II on the 70th anniversary of the conflict’s conclusion.

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