Japan’s royal family has made a foray into social media with the launch of an Instagram account by the Imperial Household Agency. This move marks a departure from their traditional reclusive image and aims to connect with the country’s youth. The account, @kunaicho_jp, features photos and videos of Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and Princess Aiko attending ceremonies and interacting with officials. Despite the account’s quick growth in followers, comments have been disabled on all posts, prompting mixed reactions from the public. Some are excited about the account, while others are skeptical about the imperial family’s social media presence.
The decision to join Instagram is part of the imperial family’s efforts to reach out to younger generations and deepen their understanding of the monarchy. Mariko Fujiwara, head of the public relations office at the Imperial Household Agency, stated that the goal is to engage with young people who will lead the next generation. The royal family’s move into social media is a strategic attempt to adapt to the modern world and keep up with other royal families, such as Britain’s, who have been active on platforms like X for several years. However, as seen in recent royal scandals, navigating social media comes with potential pitfalls, particularly in the age of rapid misinformation and conspiracy theories.
Japan experienced its own royal scandal in 2021 when Princess Mako married a commoner and renounced her royal status, echoing the situation of Prince Harry and Meghan in the UK. The controversy surrounding Princess Mako’s marriage and the public disapproval of her groom highlighted the challenges faced by traditional institutions when confronted with modern expectations. By embracing social media, Japan’s royal family hopes to strike a balance between maintaining support from the conservative establishment and appealing to younger audiences. However, the Imperial Household Agency remains cautious and is likely to proceed with caution in their social media strategy to avoid compromising the dignity of the imperial family.
The imperial family’s debut on Instagram represents a significant shift in their approach to communication and outreach. With the younger generation becoming increasingly influential, the royal family acknowledges the need to engage with them through platforms like social media. The decision to join Instagram is just the first step, with the possibility of expanding to other platforms like Facebook and X in the future. As the world’s oldest monarchy, Japan’s royal family faces unique challenges in modernizing while preserving their traditions and heritage. By embracing social media, they aim to bridge the gap between tradition and modernity, appealing to a wider audience and securing their relevance in the digital age.
Overall, Japan’s royal family’s entry into social media is a milestone in their efforts to connect with the public and adapt to changing times. With the older generations forming their primary support base, the imperial family recognizes the importance of engaging with younger audiences to ensure their continued relevance and legitimacy. By sharing glimpses of their activities and ceremonies on Instagram, the royal family hopes to foster a deeper understanding and appreciation among the younger generation. While the move may face challenges and criticisms, it marks a significant step towards modernizing an ancient institution and ensuring its sustainability in a rapidly evolving world.
