Japan's Princess Aiko Is Now on Instagram
Japan’s royal family has just joined Instagram.
On Monday, Japan’s Imperial Household Agency activated it’s Instagram account—its first on any social media platform—and shared the first photo, showing Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their daughter, Princess Aiko.
By Tuesday evening, the account had gained over 574,000 followers, and shared 19 more images of the family members.
While the move is certainly a sign of the times, and a step toward modernity for the Japanese royals, the page is still very much a polished feed run by a strict monarchy. There is no scandal to be found, just lovely formal photos of the royals partaking in engagements over the past few months—including greeting other world leaders, hosting award ceremonies, and attending an exhibition of bonsai plants at the Tokyo Metropolitan Art Museum.
The 22-year-old Princess Aiko does not have her own social media accounts, but instead shares the new Instagram account with her parents. She is the only child of the emperor and empress; and, though she is not in line for the throne (because Japanese tradition allows only men to reign), she has the disposition of a leader and stays engaged in world affairs.
In addition to fulfilling her official duties as a member of the Japanese imperial family, Aiko is starting work for the Japanese Red Cross Society, to aid survivors of natural disasters, following her graduation from Gakushuin University last month. At school, the young royal studied Japanese language and literature.
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