Japan’s imperial family made an Instagram debut with a flurry of posts on Monday, hoping to reach out to younger people on social media.
Checks by TheCable Lifestyle showed that the new and verified account (kunaicho_jp) has gained over 360,000 followers — hours after it was launched.
The Imperial Household Agency, a government agency in charge of the family’s affairs, said the social media page was created to allow the public to have a better understanding of the royals’ duties.
Instagram was said to have been chosen because of its popularity among young people.
The palace agency posted photos and videos showing Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at recent public appearances.
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.
Other posts included the royal couple’s meetings with foreign dignitaries, including Brunei Crown Prince Haji Al-Muhtadee Billah and his wife.
A video of Naruhito addressing well-wishers during his 64th birthday on February 23 has also garnered over 33,000 likes.
So far, the images are limited to the family’s official duties and do not include private or candid moments.
The account does not follow other users and has blocked comments on all its posts.
The Japanese imperial family’s social media debut comes 15 years after Britain’s royal family joined X, formerly Twitter, in 2009.
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