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After 15 years, the Imperial Household Agency has introduced a significant digital transformation, unveiling a new mobile-optimized website designed to enhance public engagement with the Imperial Family. The revamped site features a simpler, more user-friendly, and visually appealing interface, making it easier for visitors to navigate.
© Getty ImagesThis update includes detailed profiles of Emperor Naruhito and other Imperial Family members, offering insights into their roles and public appearances. Notably, this marks the first major update since 2010, highlighting the contrast between Japan’s technological advancements and the traditions governing the Imperial Household.
A digital update amid tradition
The Imperial House’s new website features a simpler interface, updated photographs, improved accessibility, and the introduction of a public relations office, similar to those in other monarchies. The website’s development cost approximately sixty thousand euros (9.6 million yen) and will continue to be enhanced throughout the year.
This marks a clear effort to connect with citizens, reflecting a gradual openness that began with former Emperor Akihito, the first emperor to acknowledge that he was not a deity destined to live behind palace walls. Akihito actively sought to redefine the monarchy’s role within a system inherently resistant to change.
© Imperial Household AgencyA closer look at the Imperial Household’s new website
Visitors can explore detailed biographies of Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and other royal members, gaining insight into their roles, traditions, and public engagements. A 360-degree virtual tour of the Imperial Palace offers a rare opportunity to experience its historic halls and gardens from anywhere in the world. Additionally, the site features high-quality images from official events, providing a fresh and visually immersive look at the monarchy.
© POOL/AFP via Getty ImagesWith improved navigation, mobile optimization, and enhanced readability, the updated website ensures a seamless browsing experience on any device. A newly added Public Relations section delivers real-time updates, official statements, and news, aligning the Imperial Household’s digital presence with other global monarchies. This modernized platform successfully merges tradition with technology, making the Imperial Family’s world more engaging and accessible than ever before.
The Imperial Household Agency is continuing its efforts to modernize its public outreach, with more digital updates planned for the near future. On April 1, 2024, the agency launched an official Instagram account to share photos and videos of the Imperial Family’s activities, aiming to engage a broader audience, particularly younger generations.
In addition to the website revamp, the agency is reportedly considering expanding to other social media platforms, including Facebook and X, to further increase public access and transparency. These initiatives mark a significant shift in how the Imperial Household communicates, aligning with global trends in digital engagement for modern monarchies.
