The Japanese Prime Minister has increased his activity on social media platforms, a move that carries both the potential for boosted public relations and the risk of potential controversies - the so-called, "flaming." The intention behind the PM's online foray is to directly reach out to citizens, providing an unfiltered perspective of his administration. However, critics argue that this approach carries a significant risk of misinterpretation and backlash.
In Japan, online communication by political leaders is less common than in many other developed countries. Traditionally, politicians communicate mostly through press conferences and formal declarations. Therefore, the Prime Minister harnessing social media to interact directly with the public marks a significant shift in Japanese politics.
In contrast to Japan, social media is widely used by political figures in the US and EU. Platforms like Twitter are popular means of communication utilized by politicians, despite the myriad risks associated such direct communication methods. Flaming, or online backlash, is a common phenomenon in these regions and is closely monitored as part of politicians' reputation management strategies.