Japan’s imperial family has joined Instagram, marking a significant step into the digital age for the world’s oldest continuing monarchy. Emperor Naruhito, who took over the throne five years ago, has been determined to bring the royal family into the modern era. The move to join Instagram comes 15 years after Britain’s royal family first made their presence known on social media. The Japanese royal family’s decision to engage with younger generations and stay relevant in the digital age was inevitable, as younger people increasingly consume content through their phones.

However, those hoping for a more authentic glimpse into the daily lives of the imperial family might be disappointed. The @kunaicho_jp account, which has been active for 48 hours, has so far posted formal and curated content. The pictures and videos uploaded feature Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, and their 22-year-old daughter Princess Aiko. The account mainly showcases the family’s public appearances, visits to museums, and meetings with other royals. The content is formal and lacks personal notes or reflections.

The Japanese royal family’s Instagram account has a cohesive aesthetic, with a melange of beige and grey tones. The captions are written solely in Japanese and provide factual recaps of the events shown in the photos. The account has also turned off the comments function, following a trend seen in the corporate world. This decision prevents brand damage and dilution of content. The Japanese royal family aims to maintain a conservative and safe brand image, reinforcing their position as morally upstanding role models.

The family has traditionally used traditional media channels, such as photography, newspapers, TV programs, and weekly magazines, to communicate with the public. These mediums were used to reinforce a positive yet distant image. With the introduction of Instagram, the family continues this strategy, keeping a certain distance from the public. The Japanese royal family’s approach to social media is focused on brand management and controlling the narrative, rather than providing constant content or fostering familiarity with the public.

Original news source: Bonsai and bowing: Japan’s royal family join Instagram (BBC)

🎧 Listen:

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Normal

Fast

📖 Vocabulary:

Group or Classroom Activities

Warm-up Activities:

– News Summary
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Provide each group with a copy of the article. Instruct them to read the article and create a concise summary of the main points. After a designated amount of time, have each group share their summary with the class.

– Opinion Poll
Instructions: Divide the class into small groups. Instruct each group to come up with a list of questions related to the topic of the article. These questions should elicit the opinions of the group members. After the groups have developed their questions, have them take turns asking each other the questions and recording their answers. Once everyone has had a chance to answer the questions, facilitate a class discussion where groups can share their findings and discuss any interesting insights.

– Headline Creation
Instructions: Divide the class into pairs or small groups. Give each group a few minutes to come up with a catchy headline for the article. Encourage them to be creative and think outside the box. After the groups have come up with their headlines, have them share them with the class. As a class, discuss the different headlines and vote on the most interesting or attention-grabbing one.

– Vocabulary Pictionary
Instructions: Select a few key vocabulary words from the article. Write each word on a separate piece of paper and place them in a bag or container. Divide the class into two teams. One member from each team will take turns selecting a word from the bag and without speaking, try to draw a picture that represents the word. The rest of their team must guess the word based on the drawing. The team that correctly guesses the word earns a point. Continue until all the words have been used and then tally up the points to determine the winning team.

– Future Predictions
Instructions: Instruct the students to work individually or in pairs. After reading the article, have them discuss and make predictions about the future of the Japanese royal family’s use of social media. Encourage them to consider potential challenges and opportunities that may arise. After a designated amount of time, have each student or pair share their predictions with the class. Facilitate a class discussion to explore different perspectives and ideas.

🤔 Comprehension Questions:

1. How long has the Japanese imperial family been on Instagram?
2. Why did Emperor Naruhito want to bring the royal family into the modern era?
3. What kind of content has the Japanese imperial family been posting on Instagram?
4. What is the aesthetic of the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account?
5. In what language are the captions on the Instagram account written?
6. Why did the Japanese royal family turn off the comments function on their Instagram account?
7. How did the Japanese royal family traditionally communicate with the public before Instagram?
8. What is the main focus of the Japanese royal family’s approach to social media?
Go to answers ⇩

🎧✍️ Listen and Fill in the Gaps:

Japan’s imperial family has joined Instagram, (1)______ a significant step into the digital age for the world’s oldest continuing monarchy. Emperor Naruhito, who took over the throne five years ago, has been determined to (2)______ the (3)______ family into the modern era. The move to join Instagram comes 15 years after Britain’s royal family first made their presence known on social media. The (4)______ royal family’s decision to engage with younger generations and stay relevant in the digital age was inevitable, as younger people increasingly consume content through their phones.

However, those hoping for a more authentic glimpse into the daily lives of the imperial family might be disappointed. The @kunaicho_jp account, which has been active for 48 hours, has so far posted formal and curated content. The (5)______ and videos uploaded feature Emperor Naruhito, (6)______ Masako, and their 22-year-old (7)______ Princess Aiko. The account mainly showcases the family’s public appearances, visits to museums, and meetings with other (8)______. The content is formal and lacks personal notes or reflections.

The Japanese royal (9)______’s Instagram account has a cohesive aesthetic, with a melange of beige and grey tones. The captions are written solely in Japanese and provide factual recaps of the events shown in the photos. The account has also turned off the (10)______ function, following a trend seen in the corporate (11)______. This decision prevents brand damage and dilution of content. The Japanese royal family aims to maintain a (12)______ and safe brand image, reinforcing their position as morally upstanding role models.

The family has traditionally used traditional media channels, such as photography, newspapers, TV programs, and weekly (13)______, to communicate with the (14)______. These mediums were used to reinforce a positive yet distant image. With the introduction of Instagram, the family continues this strategy, keeping a certain distance from the public. The Japanese royal family’s approach to social media is (15)______ on (16)______ management and controlling the narrative, rather than providing constant content or fostering familiarity with the public.
Go to answers ⇩

💬 Discussion Questions:

Students can ask a partner these questions, or discuss them as a group.

1. What are some advantages of the Japanese royal family joining Instagram?
2. How do you think the younger generation in Japan will respond to the royal family’s presence on social media?
3. Do you think it’s important for the royal family to stay relevant in the digital age? Why or why not?
4. How would you feel if the royal family shared more personal and informal content on Instagram?
5. What do you think is the main reason behind the royal family’s decision to join Instagram?
6. Do you think it’s necessary for the royal family to maintain a conservative and safe brand image? Why or why not?
7. How do you think the public’s perception of the royal family might change with their presence on social media?
8. What are some potential risks or challenges the royal family might face by joining Instagram?
9. How do you think the royal family’s approach to social media differs from other public figures or celebrities?
10. Do you think it’s important for public figures to control the narrative on social media? Why or why not?
11. How do you think the royal family’s presence on Instagram might impact their relationship with the public?
12. What are some ways the royal family could use Instagram to connect with the younger generation?
13. Do you think the royal family’s decision to turn off the comments function on Instagram is a good idea? Why or why not?
14. How do you think the royal family’s use of traditional media channels compares to their use of social media?
15. What do you think the future holds for the royal family’s presence on social media?

Individual Activities

📖💭 Vocabulary Meanings:

Match each word to its meaning.

Words:
1. monarchy
2. digital
3. inevitable
4. authentic
5. curated
6. aesthetic
7. cohesive
8. melange
9. conservative
10. dilution
11. narrative
12. traditional
13. reinforce
14. distant
15. familiarity

Meanings:
(A) A mixture or blend of different elements
(B) Not close or intimate
(C) Favoring the preservation of established customs and values
(D) Genuine and original, not a copy or alteration
(E) The account or description of events
(F) The state of being well known from long or close association
(G) A form of government with a monarch at the head
(H) Carefully selected and organized
(I) Forming a united whole
(J) The process of making something weaker in force, content, or value
(K) Relating to the appreciation of beauty or good taste
(L) Based on long-standing customs and practices
(M) Certain to happen; unavoidable
(N) Involving or relating to the use of computer technology
(O) To strengthen or support
Go to answers ⇩

🔡 Multiple Choice Questions:

1. Why did Japan’s imperial family join Instagram?
(a) To share personal notes and reflections about their daily lives
(b) To showcase their private family moments
(c) To engage with younger generations and stay relevant in the digital age
(d) To follow the trend set by Britain’s royal family

2. How long has the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account been active?
(a) 48 hours
(b) 5 years
(c) 15 years
(d) The article does not mention a specific timeframe

3. What type of content does the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account mainly showcase?
(a) Personal and intimate moments
(b) Formal and curated content
(c) Behind-the-scenes footage
(d) None of the above

4. What is the aesthetic of the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account?
(a) Vibrant and colorful
(b) Black and white
(c) Beige and grey tones
(d) The article does not mention the aesthetic

5. Why did the Japanese royal family turn off the comments function on their Instagram account?
(a) To encourage more engagement from the public
(b) To avoid negative feedback
(c) The article does not provide a reason
(d) To prevent brand damage and dilution of content

6. How has the Japanese royal family traditionally communicated with the public?
(a) Through social media platforms
(b) Through personal blogs and vlogs
(c) The article does not mention how they traditionally communicated
(d) Through traditional media channels like photography, newspapers, TV programs, and weekly magazines

7. What is the Japanese royal family’s approach to social media?
(a) Brand management and controlling the narrative
(b) Providing constant content and fostering familiarity with the public
(c) Sharing personal and intimate moments
(d) None of the above

8. What is the main focus of the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account?
(a) Sharing personal reflections and thoughts
(b) Maintaining a conservative and safe brand image
(c) Engaging with younger generations
(d) The article does not mention the main focus of the account.

Go to answers ⇩

🕵️ True or False Questions:

1. The account has turned on the comments function to encourage brand engagement and interaction with followers.
2. The Japanese royal family joined Instagram 15 years after Britain’s royal family.
3. The content posted on the account mainly hides the family’s public appearances, visits to museums, and meetings with other royals.
4. Emperor Naruhito has not been determined to bring the royal family into the modern era.
5. The @kunaicho_jp Instagram account has been inactive for 48 hours.
6. Japan’s imperial family has recently joined Instagram.
7. The decision to engage with younger generations and stay relevant in the digital age was inevitable for the Japanese royal family.
8. The Japanese royal family’s Instagram account has a cohesive aesthetic with beige and grey tones.
Go to answers ⇩

📝 Write a Summary:

Write a summary of this news article in two sentences.

Writing Questions:

Answer the following questions. Write as much as you can for each answer.

1. Why did Emperor Naruhito decide to join Instagram?
2. How does the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account differ from the British royal family’s account?
3. What kind of content does the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account feature?
4. What is the aesthetic of the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account?
5. How does the Japanese royal family’s approach to social media differ from other celebrities or influencers?

✅ Answers

🤔✅ Comprehension Question Answers:

1. The Japanese imperial family has been on Instagram for 48 hours.
2. Emperor Naruhito wanted to bring the royal family into the modern era to engage with younger generations and stay relevant in the digital age.
3. The Japanese imperial family has been posting formal and curated content on Instagram, featuring their public appearances, visits to museums, and meetings with other royals.
4. The aesthetic of the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account is a melange of beige and grey tones.
5. The captions on the Instagram account are written solely in Japanese.
6. The Japanese royal family turned off the comments function on their Instagram account to prevent brand damage and dilution of content.
7. Before Instagram, the Japanese royal family traditionally communicated with the public through traditional media channels such as photography, newspapers, TV programs, and weekly magazines.
8. The main focus of the Japanese royal family’s approach to social media is brand management and controlling the narrative.
Go back to questions ⇧

🎧✍️✅ Listen and Fill in the Gaps Answers:

(1) marking
(2) bring
(3) royal
(4) Japanese
(5) pictures
(6) Empress
(7) daughter
(8) royals
(9) family
(10) comments
(11) world
(12) conservative
(13) magazines
(14) public
(15) focused
(16) brand
Go back to questions ⇧

📖💭✅ Vocabulary Meanings Answers:

1. monarchy
Answer: (G) A form of government with a monarch at the head

2. digital
Answer: (N) Involving or relating to the use of computer technology

3. inevitable
Answer: (M) Certain to happen; unavoidable

4. authentic
Answer: (D) Genuine and original, not a copy or alteration

5. curated
Answer: (H) Carefully selected and organized

6. aesthetic
Answer: (K) Relating to the appreciation of beauty or good taste

7. cohesive
Answer: (I) Forming a united whole

8. melange
Answer: (A) A mixture or blend of different elements

9. conservative
Answer: (C) Favoring the preservation of established customs and values

10. dilution
Answer: (J) The process of making something weaker in force, content, or value

11. narrative
Answer: (E) The account or description of events

12. traditional
Answer: (L) Based on long-standing customs and practices

13. reinforce
Answer: (O) To strengthen or support

14. distant
Answer: (B) Not close or intimate

15. familiarity
Answer: (F) The state of being well known from long or close association
Go back to questions ⇧

🔡✅ Multiple Choice Answers:

1. Why did Japan’s imperial family join Instagram?
Answer: (c) To engage with younger generations and stay relevant in the digital age

2. How long has the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account been active?
Answer: (a) 48 hours

3. What type of content does the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account mainly showcase?
Answer: (b) Formal and curated content

4. What is the aesthetic of the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account?
Answer: (c) Beige and grey tones

5. Why did the Japanese royal family turn off the comments function on their Instagram account?
Answer: (d) To prevent brand damage and dilution of content

6. How has the Japanese royal family traditionally communicated with the public?
Answer: (d) Through traditional media channels like photography, newspapers, TV programs, and weekly magazines

7. What is the Japanese royal family’s approach to social media?
Answer: (a) Brand management and controlling the narrative

8. What is the main focus of the Japanese royal family’s Instagram account?
Answer: (b) Maintaining a conservative and safe brand image
Go back to questions ⇧

🕵️✅ True or False Answers:

1. The account has turned on the comments function to encourage brand engagement and interaction with followers. (Answer: False)
2. The Japanese royal family joined Instagram 15 years after Britain’s royal family. (Answer: True)
3. The content posted on the account mainly hides the family’s public appearances, visits to museums, and meetings with other royals. (Answer: False)
4. Emperor Naruhito has not been determined to bring the royal family into the modern era. (Answer: False)
5. The @kunaicho_jp Instagram account has been inactive for 48 hours. (Answer: False)
6. Japan’s imperial family has recently joined Instagram. (Answer: True)
7. The decision to engage with younger generations and stay relevant in the digital age was inevitable for the Japanese royal family. (Answer: True)
8. The Japanese royal family’s Instagram account has a cohesive aesthetic with beige and grey tones. (Answer: True)
Go back to questions ⇧