Japan's Royal Family Makes Formal Debut on Instagram
Japan's imperial family made an Instagram debut with several posts on April 1, hoping to connect with younger people on social media.
The Imperial Household Agency, a government agency in charge of the family's affairs, posted 60 photos and five videos showing Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako's public appearances over the past three months.
The agency said they wanted the public to have a better understanding of the family's official duties and that Instagram was chosen because of its popularity among the youth.
By the evening of the same day, their account Kunaicho_jp had more than 270,000 followers.
The first photo published was of the imperial couple sitting on a sofa with their 22-year-old daughter Princess Aiko, all smiling as they marked New Year's Day.
A video of Naruhito addressing well-wishers during his February 23 birthday celebrations had over 21,000 views in less than a day.
So far, images are limited to the family's official duties and do not include private moments. The agency said it was considering adding activities of other royal members.
"It's nice we get to see a bit of their activities because we hardly know what they are doing," said Koki Yoneura, a 21-year-old student.
Yukino Yoshiura, also a student, said she was excited to see posts about Princess Aiko. "Aiko-sama is close to our age and just graduated from university, so I'm very happy to be able to see her images," she said.
However, both students said they didn't plan on following the Instagram account.
Naruhito's father, Emperor Emeritus Akihito — who abdicated the throne in 2019 — and his wife were popular during their reign. But the royal family's fans largely belong to older generations.
Experts say social media could help bring the royal family closer to the people but concerns over how the world's oldest monarchy can be friendly without losing its nobility remain.
The account doesn't follow anyone nor interact with the public. Also, users can't comment on posts and are only able to press the "like" button.
1. What are your thoughts on Japan's imperial family making its Instagram debut?
2. Do you think social media will help bring the royal family closer to the people?
3. Do you use Instagram? Do you plan on following the royal family's account?
4. Which member of the Japanese imperial family would you most like to meet?
6. What do you imagine are the hardest aspects of being a royal?
7. Who are some of the most well-liked public figures in your country?
8. What famous people would you most like to meet?
9. Do you follow many celebrities on social media?
10. What would you say are the best things about social media?
11. Which of your friends or family is the most active on social media?
https://engoo.com/app/daily-news/article/japans-royal-family-makes-formal-debut-on-instagram/-gvp4vDJEe6q6GMy1M1B7w