On Thursday, Empress Michiko attended the Annual National Convention of Japanese Red Cross Society held in Tokyo. The Empress, who is honorary president of the Japanese Red Cross Society, wore a large white saucer hat trimmed with grey flowers and leaves. I thought the flower embellishment on this hat was especially pretty.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: uncertain. I think this might be a new hat.
Also on Thursday, Princess Hanako of Hitachi visited Utsunomiya City in Tochi Prefecture to attend the opening ceremony of the exhibition of Ikebana (Japanese traditional flower arrangement). Princess Hanako, who is the honorary president of Japan Ikebana Association, repeated her pale blue silk bumper hat with rolled brim. I am not a fan of this hat (see this closeup of the blue and white spaghetti noodles that look to be stuck on the side of this hat) but from this distance, Princess Hanako looks rather refined and elegant.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: August 7, 2013
Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan and The Imperial Family of Japan
Royal Hats 
A shame the powers that be won’t let the Japanese royal women wear something different occasionally. I do love the flowers on the saucer hat of the Empress though.
This is what we expect from The Japanese Imperial Family isn’t it, and I’m okay with that. The Empress always looks very well presented and I’m thinking the spaghetti embellishment is okay. Thanks
I like both hats, but prefer the one worn by Princess Hanako.
I think that both hats are beautiful, subtly but exquisitely decorated. I think the previous close-up of Princess Hanako’s hat makes it look spectacular not just from a distance.