2024-04-01 09:22:29
The Japanese imperial family took its first steps on social networks on Monday, via Instagram, but those who hoped to find selfies and other photos more spontaneous than usual may be disappointed.
Because the first 19 photos and videos released on the official account of the Imperial Household Agency are carefully staged images of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, taken during recent public appearances, always very ceremonial.
This did not prevent this account (kunaicho_jp) from having crossed 200,000 subscribers on Monday at 8:30 a.m. GMT. A week ago, the Imperial Agency warned that it would become public this Monday.
Each image is accompanied by a brief factual caption, explaining what the emperor did on that day: receiving foreign dignitaries, admiring a bonsai exhibition, participating in an awards ceremony…
Comments are moderated before publication, and the account does not follow any others.
The Japanese imperial family has mythical origins dating back more than 2,600 years. Since the end of the Second World War, the emperor no longer has any political role but remains an important symbolic figure for the country, and any public criticism of him remains taboo.
“The Imperial House is on Instagram! I thought it was an April Fool’s joke!” reacted an amused Internet user on X.
“When I heard that the Imperial Household had created an Instagram account, I quickly went to check it out. But obviously the emperor didn’t post ‘my lunch today (heart emoji)’ or anything like that,” reacted another user on X.
Other monarchies around the world have had a presence on social media for years, such as the British royal family.
But this communication strategy also increases the requirements for transparency, as recalled by the recent affair of the retouched photo of Princess Kate with her children on her X account, a photo initially intended to reassure regarding her state of health, which was the subject of intense speculation for weeks.
In late March, Kate finally revealed during a pre-recorded television address that she was suffering from cancer.
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