Hideki Hayashida, former chief chamberlain to Crown Prince Naruhito, on Wednesday became the top official in charge of the Crown Prince's Household.
Hayashida, 60, succeeded Kiyoshi Furukawa, who retired as grand master of the household the same day.
Hayashida became chief chamberlain to the Crown Prince in November after serving as head of the National Science Museum.
As chief chamberlain to Crown Prince Naruhito, Hayashida, along with Furukawa, made preparations leading up to the Dec. 1 birth of Princess Aiko and for the series of events afterward.
In a news conference marking his inauguration as grand master of the household, Hayashida said, "I would like to listen to the opinions of many people and build relationships so that I can consult people."