Japan’s royal family joins instagram

Japan’s royal family has ventured into the realm of social media with the launch of their Instagram account, aiming to shed their reputation as reclusive and disconnected from the younger generation. Undeterred by recent events involving their British counterparts, the ancient monarchy took its first cautious steps onto the platform, featuring images of Bonsai trees and birthday celebrations. The account, managed by the Imperial Household Agency, quickly amassed over 320,000 followers on its debut day.

In a series of 60 photos and five videos posted within hours, the account showcased the royal family’s activities from the first three months of the year, including New Year’s celebrations and royal birthdays. Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their 22-year-old daughter, Princess Aiko, were prominently featured attending ceremonies and meeting officials.

Despite the lack of comments allowed on the posts, reactions flooded other social media platforms. Some users expressed surprise at the rapid growth in followers, while others initially dismissed the account as an April Fool’s joke.

The Japanese monarchy, recognized as the world’s oldest, expressed its intention to connect with younger generations through Instagram and hinted at potential future accounts on Facebook and other platforms. Mariko Fujiwara, head of the public relations office at the Imperial Household Agency, emphasized the desire to foster understanding among the youth, who will shape the future.

With this move, Japan’s royal family is catching up with other monarchies worldwide, such as Britain’s royal family, which embraced social media over a decade ago. However, recent social media controversies, such as those surrounding Britain’s Princess Kate, highlight the challenges faced by these age-old institutions as they adapt to modern communication channels.

While the imperial family’s foray into social media signifies a shift, it remains anchored in tradition. The Imperial Household Agency, known for its conservatism, is cautious about maintaining the dignity of the royal family in online posts, according to Japanese studies lecturer Jeffrey Hall. Despite the slow pace of change, the imperial family aims to strike a balance between traditional support and appealing to younger audiences, as they navigate the evolving landscape of digital communication.