The Japanese royal family wants you to know that it’s not outdated and it’s actually really cool — and it has 80+ new Instagram photos to prove it.
What happened: This week, the famously private imperial family chose to start sharing their lavish life on social media for the first time by launching an Instagram account.
- The posts range from birthday pics of Emperor Naruhito to family museum outings. In just one week, the account has amassed over 720,000 followers.
Why it matters: It’s no secret that royal stans are typically older, while younger generations see them as mere relics of the past, doomed to be made into award-winning Netflix shows. Japan’s move is the latest in a string of tactics from global crowns to try and stay relevant.
- The British royal family has been on social media since 2009. Various family members consistently use their platforms to engage with the public and drive their own narratives, despite negative press coverage.
Yes, but: While royals can use social media to try to control their image, toeing the line between relatability and regality can have its downfalls.
- Just think of Kate-Gate 2024 — when the internet sniffed out an AI-manipulated image put out by the British royal family.
Zoom out: Other flashy moves come from the Spanish royal family, with the growing celebrity of Spain’s 18-year-old princess, and heir to the throne, and her 23-year-old cousin becoming an Instagram It girl.—MR