On March 17th, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan welcomed the President of Vietnam, Mr. Truong Tan Sang, and his wife on a state visit to Japan. While Empress Michiko wore one of her regular saucer hats, this one was larger than we often see on her. Trimmed with white blossoms, green leaves and what looks like a grey ribbon bow, this austere black hat was lightened (no mourning here) to a rather attractive hat. That being said, I think I may have preferred this black and white hat with the black jacket and hound’s tooth skirt the Empress wore for this state welcome. What do you think?
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this is a new hat.
Photo from the Imperial Family of Japan
Royal Hats 
The Empress wears very distinctive and unique hats always exquisitely crafted and beautifully matched to her outfits. I would love to get a closer look at them as I have the feeling they are works of art rather than just hats. Witness that artful spray of white flowers on this hat. In my opinion she looks serene, elegant and regal in this larger hat on this occasion.
I like larger hats on the Empress, she does not wear them often so I enjoy them when she does.
I prefer the slightly larger size of this hat. This hat, principally black, goes better with the black jacket; the earlier white had went better with the formerly worn (off-) white jacket. Since today’s outfit in general is austere, I like the added greenery on this bigger saucer.