The Japanese royal family has recently joined Instagram, marking a cautious entry into social media for this historic monarchy. Their official account, launched on Monday, will likely not feature any informal selfies.
Initially, 19 posts showcase official, staged images and recordings of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako fulfilling their regal responsibilities during recent public events. Despite this, over 160,000 users have chosen to follow the Imperial Household Agency account, which was introduced a week ago but initially kept private until it was made accessible on Monday.
The Japanese monarchy, with roots in mythology dating back over 2,000 years, has long been a subject of taboo when it comes to public criticism of the emperor. In an effort to engage younger generations and foster interest in the imperial family’s activities, the institution has turned to social media, as confirmed by an IHA spokesperson speaking to AFP.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Instagram account @kunaicho_jp primarily features factual content. The posts detail the emperor’s daily activities, such as meeting foreign dignitaries and appreciating bonsai trees. The captions are precise and informative, while comments are carefully moderated to maintain a focused and appropriate atmosphere.
The account has no followers and has yet to explore Instagram Stories. Upon learning about the International Health Association’s Instagram presence, a user exclaimed, “I thought it was an April Fools’ prank!” Another individual, upon hearing the news, quickly visited the IHA’s account.
However, they weren’t surprised to find it devoid of personal posts like “today’s lunch (heart emoji)” or similar content. Some users humorously commented that it was fortunate the royal IHA chose the more “refined” Instagram platform over the previous choice, which was Twitter.
In 2019, Emperor Naruhito assumed the Chrysanthemum throne during a solemn ceremony, following his well-admired father’s historic abdication, marking the first instance in over two centuries. Meanwhile, other royal families have embraced social media, such as Britain’s monarchy, which has lately faced a whirlwind of gossip and speculative theories.
The alteration of a family photo published by the palace sparked internet conjecture about the location of Catherine, Princess of Wales. Following this, she disclosed that she had been diagnosed with cancer.
