News Japan's imperial family eyeing social media for public relations

[thomas]

Last August, the Imperial Household Agency announced their plans to use social media "to provide accurate information about the Imperial family in the wake of erroneous reports regarding the former Princess Mako's marriage". Going one step further, the IHA now explore the potential use of social media platforms "as part of a new approach to public relations".

With experts in agreement that an overhaul by the Imperial Household Agency of its communication style, including giving increased exposure to the family, is long overdue, the agency said in late December that it will set up a formal public relations office in April after its budget request to hire more staff was approved by the Cabinet. Currently, the agency only has a single website as a direct interface with the public, where it posts images and statements related to the public appearances of imperial family members, including Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako, a certain period after they take place.

Japan's imperial family eyeing social media to stay in touch

The agency in charge of the family's affairs set to explore the potential use of SNS platforms as part of a new approach to public relations.

www.japantimes.co.jp

Today, on the occasion of Princess Kako's 28th birthday, the IHA released the photos (above) and the video below. Was that already part of the new PR strategy?

Edit: the video was released on 2 December.

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Princess Kako turns 28, hopes people can reach ‘their potential’ | The Asahi Shimbun: Breaking News, Japan News and Analysis

Princess Kako of Japan marks 28th birthday with new official portraits

The younger daughter of Crown Prince Akishino and Crown Princess Kiko has spent the past year actively filling in for her older sister, Mako, who relocated to New York, reported the Japan Times.

www.dailymail.co.uk