Last week, the Japanese Imperial couple spent the week on tour in India. On Wednesday, December 4, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Kalakshetra Art Academy in Chennai. The Empress debuted a new hat, in her signature ‘saucer’ shape. This hat, one of Michiko’s larger saucers in white, was trimmed with silk orange blossoms and green leaves. I thought it was quite delicate and looked rather pretty on the Empress.
The Imperial couple returned to Japan on Friday. Empress Michiko repeated the dove grey saucer hat with charcoal grey origami flower she wore while on the Indian tour.
Designer: unconfirmed
Previously Worn: December 2, 2013
As is tradition, they were greeted at Haneda International Airport by other members of the Imperial family (from right: Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako, Prince Fumihito, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, Princess Hanako, Princess Akiko and Princess Hisako). I’m not sure I have ever seen so many blue small brimmed royal hats at the same event…. I wonder if a memo was sent requesting all the Imperial ladies to wear a blue hat?!
Photos from FNN and The Imperial Family of Japan
Royal Hats 
This orange blossom hat is just lovely. I’m not sure if I’m getting used to these saucer hats or if this one looks good because it is larger than most of the Empress’ other hats but I really like this hat.
I much prefer Empress Michiko in a larger hat, and I think she looks marvelous in this white hat. From what I can see in the last photo of the rest of the members of the Imperial family, I like their hats as well. I really like Crown Princess Masako’s hat. She is looking very elegant these days.
short video with these hats
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=THVlz0XJaXU
Much bigger than her usual style (although small by anyone else’s standards!), but I really like the Empress’s white hat with the orange blossom, elegant and pleasing.
It’s not just the blue hats and outfits, even the shoes look the same!! 🙂
I do like the white hat in the first picture, very delicate and elegant.
Is it just MrFitzroy, or does it appear their Imperial Majesties are being greeted by a receiving line of JAL flight attendents of varying vintage! Empress Michiko wore some exceptional hats this trip, classic and true to her established style –yet with a (shy) wink and (graceful) nod that kept them fresh. The orangeblossom hat is superb.
Thank you HatQueen for being so diligent about including the less covered royals!
Agreed. My other favorite royal fashion blog does not cover this family and I sincerely appreciate the effort you take to do this.