noun
imperial portrait; photograph of the Emperor and Empress distributed to schools (1890–1945)
Historical term referring to the official portrait of the reigning Emperor and Empress, distributed to schools from 1890 until the end of World War II. Treated with great reverence.
戦前の学校では、御真影が奉安殿に安置されていた。
In prewar schools, the imperial portrait was enshrined in the hōanden.
御真
The imperial portrait was granted to schools along with the Imperial Rescript on Education.
noun
portrait or photo of a person of high rank
Honorific term for a portrait or photograph of a high-ranking person, such as a member of the imperial family or a noble. Less common in modern usage.
宮様の御真影が新聞に掲載された。
A portrait of the prince was published in the newspaper.
From 御 (honorific prefix) + 真影 (true image, portrait). The term became widely used after the Meiji period for the official imperial portrait.