The Japanese Crown Prince has made strong statements regarding the Imperial Household and their communication with the public.
Crown Prince Fumihito made comments this past week at a press conference to mark his 57th birthday that the Imperial Household must become more open and transparent with the public. He explained that it is critical that the Imperial Family is able to share “accurate information in a timely manner” and to keep the public informed.
In a 2021 press conference, the Crown Prince had argued that the Imperial Household needed to be able to better refute false claims in the media and that official statements released did not seem to help but this year acknowledged that it could prove incredibly challenging.
He also suggested this past week that although it is unlikely he would do so, it could be easier to have members of the Imperial Family share information themselves on social media.
The Imperial Household Agency does not often release information, and when it does, it only relates strictly to state matters. Members of the Japanese media will often hunt for information, as little is forthcoming.
The Imperial Family has long struggled with the media in the last decades. Fumihito’s elder daughter, formerly known as Princess Mako, had several issues with the press She is now married to Kei Komuro, a paralegal, and the media hounded Komuro and his family for years. The couple moved to New York, where Komuro will be working as a lawyer; the couple is now able to enjoy far more privacy.
Crown Prince Fumihito is the younger brother of the current Emperor of Japan, Naruhito. He is heir presumptive to the Imperial Throne, as his brother does not have any sons, and the Japanese throne cannot pass to a female. The Crown Prince’s third child and only son, Prince Hisahito, is third in line for the Imperial Throne after his father.
