Last Tuesday, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended the opening ceremony of the 6th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists held in Yokohama City. Empress Michiko surprised me with a small black saucer hat trimmed with a bronze flecked bow. The bow echoed the collar of Michiko’s jacket and from a distance, looked like bronze leaves on her hat. It’s a rather avant garde look for the Empress and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) quite edgy for her. Since I’m a big fan of millinery experiments, I’m going to give this a thumbs up. What do you think of this very modern ensemble?
Designer: my guess is Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: I believe this is a new hat
Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan
Royal Hats 
But how I would love to see a pillbox on her head!
very well done.
The Japanese court is in mourning. So, we have black with a bit of interesting details.
I understand the Imperial couple observed a period of mourning for a week beginning June 8. I believe this event occurred after that period of mourning, although the black and bronze is an excellent way to transition from a mourning period back to regular dress.