Online savvy young Japanese feel no affinity for imperial family, survey shows

The lack of interest among young Japanese in the country’s royals reflects broader societal shifts, analysts say

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Japan’s Emperor Naruhito, accompanied by other imperial family members, waves to audience members during his birthday celebration at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo on February 23. Photo: AP

Published: 12:00pm, 28 Jun 2024

Most young Japanese have no interest in the imperial family and feel no closeness to the monarchy, according to a new survey, a surprising finding given the country’s traditional reverence for the royals.

Analysts suggest the trend reflects broader societal shifts and the dominance of digital media in shaping young people’s perceptions, reducing their exposure to symbols of national identity.

The survey was conducted by The Nippon Foundation in May and asked 1,000 Japanese aged between 17 and 19 about their attitudes on the issue, with 55.7 per cent saying they have little or no interest in the imperial family and 53.4 per cent saying they have no sense of closeness to the emperor or his family.

Nearly half of those who expressed no interest in the imperial family could not think of any way to promote such interest among young people. Other respondents have suggested that individual members of the family might generate greater interest by engaging with the public through social media.

Yoshihisa Nagasaku was not questioned for the survey but, as a 17-year-old student from Yokohama, said the findings aligned with his opinions on the issue.

Japan’s Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. Photo: AFP

“I never see or read anything about them so I do not think I know them in any way,” he told This Week in Asia.