Until not too long ago, Kumamoto Castle held the highest spot for essentially the most Instagram followers amongst Japanese castles. However, on the finish of May, Matsumoto Castle in Nagano surpassed Kumamoto Castle to develop into essentially the most adopted. What led to this modification?

For the primary time, Matsumoto Castle has taken the highest spot amongst official fortress Instagram accounts, surpassing 30,000 followers. Kumamoto Castle, now in second place, fell wanting the 30,000 mark, adopted by Himeji Castle in third place.

What has contributed to the rise in reputation of Matsumoto Castle?

According to Matsumoto City, about 20% of the fortress’s followers are foreigners. This improve in worldwide followers is one key motive for its rise in reputation.

Additionally, photographs of the ‘upside-down Matsumoto Castle’ mirrored within the moat have develop into extremely widespread.

Matsumoto City’s evaluation additionally factors out that its proximity to Tokyo, making it the closest nationwide treasure fortress, and the convenience of visiting a fortress situated on flat floor fairly than within the mountains, are components in its enchantment.

The metropolis additionally shares content material in a number of languages, together with English, Traditional Chinese, Thai, and German, which has seemingly contributed to its reputation.

Takahiro Inoue, news anchor: The scrumptious meals, ample nature, and the Northern Alps within the backdrop are additionally enticing options. However, different castles are positive to really feel the strain to compete.

Mika Song: I visited Kumamoto over the weekend and noticed Kumamoto Castle. It was lovely, and the meals was scrumptious. I’ve usually handed by Matsumoto Castle however by no means entered. Being from Hyogo, I’ve visited Himeji Castle on college journeys. Though I’m not biased, it is shocking to see Matsumoto Castle take the highest spot on Instagram.

A Single Photo Sparked the Trend

When Matsumoto Castle began its Instagram account, it had just one,456 followers after six months (December 2021). However, within the following six months, the quantity elevated by over 10,000.

The turning level was a photograph posted in January 2022 that went viral.

This photograph, a collaboration shot of the Northern Alps and Matsumoto Castle, obtained over 10,000 likes.

Matsumoto City Representative: ‘Previously, our most preferred photographs solely reached just a few thousand likes. We began posting extra photographs that seize the seasonal great thing about the surroundings and the fortress.’

In spring, cherry blossoms, in summer time, recent greenery, in autumn, coloured leaves, and in winter, snow-covered surroundings make the fortress lovely year-round.

The photograph that began all of it was taken from an analogous angle in Matsumoto Castle Park.

They’ve been artistic, showcasing pictures from areas solely accessible to workers.

Song: In Kumamoto and Himeji, snow-covered surroundings occurs possibly annually.

‘If Attacked, Strike Back Twice as Hard!’ New Strategies

Yamauchi: As of June 3, essentially the most preferred photograph is of a snow-covered Matsumoto Castle.

The distinction between the black outer partitions and the white snow obtained roughly 78,000 likes.

Kumamoto Castle, not desirous to be outdone, responded.

On May 29, its official account on X posted, ‘If attacked, strike again twice as exhausting!’ exhibiting their aggressive spirit.

Kumamoto Castle’s Social Media Team: ‘Matsumoto Castle surpassed 30,000 followers. We cannot allow them to draw back! We must provide you with a technique…’

Thus, on June 3, a brand new plan was put into motion.

Previously, their posts had been solely in Japanese and English. From the morning of June 3, they added hashtags in Chinese, Korean, and Thai.

Kumamoto Castle’s Social Media Team: ‘Currently, about 10% of our followers are from abroad. There’s potential for development.’

Source: TBS