Japanese imperial family on social media for the first time, ‘belated but logical move’

NOS News•today, 12:45

The Japanese Imperial Family has created an account on Instagram. It is the first time that the Japanese court can be followed via social media.

Since yesterday, official visits and other activities of Emperor Naruhito and his wife Masako can be followed on the platform. The imperial family hopes to reach more young people. Previously, information was only shared via its own website, which has not exactly kept up with the times.

The account has already gained more than half a million followers in less than two days. For the time being, only photos and videos are being shared from public activities from earlier this year, such as a visit to a museum, attending a ceremony and a speech by the emperor.

About sixty photos and videos have now been shared under the username kunaicho_jp. Unlike other royal houses, the imperial family does not share private photos.

The intention is to eventually share activities of other members of the imperial family, such as Crown Prince Fumihito and Crown Princess Kiko.