Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

After British Royals, Japan's Imperial Family join the gram

The Imperial Household’s presence on Instagram represents a calculated move to reinforce its conservative and safe brand image.

After British Royals, Japan's Imperial Family join the gram

Japan's Imperial Family recently made its debut on Instagram, joining the ranks of other royal households that have long embraced social media platforms. Led by Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, the family's presence on Instagram marks a significant departure from tradition for the world's oldest continuing monarchy.

While Japan's Imperial Family had been among the last notable royal families to fully engage with the digital era, their arrival on Instagram was seen as inevitable given the increasing reliance on smartphones for accessing content.


However, for those expecting an intimate glimpse into the personal lives of the royals, the account has a formal tone and a curated gallery of images. The account primarily focuses on documenting royal duties and engagements. The captions, written exclusively in Japanese, provide factual recaps of events without offering personal reflections or insights.

Despite the limited interaction and absence of personal touches, the Imperial Household's presence on Instagram represents a calculated move to reinforce its conservative and safe brand image. By tightly controlling the narrative and content shared on the platform, the royal family aims to minimize the risk of misinformation or controversy.

Unlike some other royal households, the Japanese royals have opted to disable comments on their posts—a decision in line with the trend observed in corporate social media strategies. By preventing potential brand damage and maintaining control over the discourse, the Imperial Household seeks to preserve its reputation and dignity in the digital realm.

While the adoption of Instagram may seem belated compared to other royal families, Japan's Imperial Family has a unique relationship with its populace—one characterised by reverence and respect. With a history of using traditional media channels to communicate with the public, the family's foray into social media represents a continuation of their strategy to maintain a respectful distance while fostering familiarity.

In essence, Japan's Imperial Family's presence on Instagram signifies a delicate balance between tradition and modernity—a strategic step toward engaging with a new generation of subjects while upholding centuries-old values of dignity and propriety.

As they navigate the digital landscape, the Imperial Family remains steadfast in their commitment to preserving their esteemed legacy for generations to come.

More For You

Nadiya Hussain

Nadiya Hussain

Nadiya Hussain's 'Rooza' brings international flavours to Ramadan tables

CELEBRITY chef and author Nadiya Hussain has said her Ramadan-inspired new cookbook “celebrates faith and food.”

Rooza, described as ‘a journey through Islamic cuisine inspired by Ramadan and Eid’ and published last month, is her culinary tribute to the holy month.

Keep ReadingShow less
Sonia Sabri's dance journey: From major stages to 'Roshni' at London's Rich Mix

Sonia Sabri in 'Roshni'

Sonia Sabri's dance journey: From major stages to 'Roshni' at London's Rich Mix

SONIA SABRI sees her remarkable journey in dance as a true blessing.

The acclaimed dancer and choreographer’s work has ranged from performing on major stages and festivals like WOMAD to collaborating with internationally renowned talents such as Shyam Benegal, Nitin Sawhney and Sir Trevor Nunn.

Keep ReadingShow less
international Booker shortlist

Tales from south India included in international Booker shortlist

Eastern Eye

INDIAN writer, activist, and lawyer Banu Mushtaq’s short story collection Heart Lamp, translated from Kannada to English by Deepa Bhasthi, has been longlisted for the International Booker Prize 2025.

It is among 13 titles chosen globally.

Keep ReadingShow less
'Salt Cosmologies' exhibition unpacks UK’s colonial ties with India
The Hedge of Halomancy (2025)

'Salt Cosmologies' exhibition unpacks UK’s colonial ties with India

A NEW exhibition at Somerset House explores salt’s dual nature while examining its deep connections to imperial history, said the project’s co-curator.

Salt Cosmologies, by Himali Singh Soin and David Soin Tappeser, due to be unveiled on Thursday (20), explores Britain’s ties with India during colonial times.

Keep ReadingShow less
Architect Asif Khan’s family memories add
personal layer to Barbican revamp

The Barbican apartment complex

Architect Asif Khan’s family memories add personal layer to Barbican revamp

THE Barbican Centre, which the late Queen Elizabeth described as “one of the wonders of the modern world” when she opened the arts venue in 1982, is now showing its age and will undergo a major renewal.

The eminent architect and multi-disciplinary artist, Asif Khan, told a touching personal tale about how his father, Riaz Khan, was very emotional and began crying when he learnt his son would have play a leading role in the project.

Keep ReadingShow less