TOKYO: Japan’s Imperial Household Agency is set to launch an official account on Instagram in April, it was learned Monday.

On Instagram, the agency will post photos of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako related to their activities, informed sources said. It will be the first time for the agency to use social media.

In April last year, the agency established the Public Relations Office at its General Affairs Division in a bid to provide accurate information on the Imperial Family in a timely manner. Utilizing private-sector personnel, the agency is working to revamp its website and considering ways to make use of social media.

Photos of the Imperial couple related to their activities are currently posted on the agency’s website with explanations. Such photos will be uploaded on Instagram as well from April, according to the sources.

The agency will consider whether to utilize other social media platforms, such as X, formerly Twitter, and whether to expand the range of Imperial Family members to be featured on social media.

“We hope to deliver information (on the Imperial Family) to young people” by using social media, Maiko Fujiwara, head of the Public Relations Office, said.

JIJI Press