Crown Princess Masako of Japan celebrated her 51st birthday today with a photocall with the Crown Prince and Princess Aiko and a customary visit to the Imperial Palace to meet with the Emperor and Empress. For this visit, the Crown Princess repeated her pale blue Breton style hat with Pork Pie crown and rolled brim. This hat is made in the same monochrome silk jaquard as her tailored dress and while I’m not usually a fan of such hat-and-dress combinations, the interesting lines of this hat break up the fabric and make the pairing work. I often wish for bolder hat choices for the Japanese royal ladies but I must admit, this small hat is really pretty on Princess Masako. She looks lovely, don’t you agree?
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: Dec. 24, 2013; Dec. 9, 2010; Dec. 22, 2009; Dec 23, 2005
Photo from Sankei
Royal Hats 
She has such a sweet smile. It is amazing, she looks so much like she did on her wedding day.
While she looks very pretty, it would be nice to see some of the royal ladies in this family wear a different style hat from time to time. They seem to want to continue with the prim, ladylike conservative style, and I respect their decision to wear what they feel is appropriate, but I am sure they can do this with other hat styles.
She looks lovely. Her hat is comical at best. That style isn’t flattering on anyone over the age of five. And it looks like a piece is either starting to come off or never Ed big enough to fit all the way on in the first place. What a shame to see such an ugly and infantalizing hat on such a pretty woman.
I think it is too little for her and looks not so good!
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Pretty hat. Today’s picture isn’t so detailed as the previous ones, but the outfit is attractive. The relatively simple hat goes beautifully with the elaborate button work on the dress.
She looks a lot younger than her years. The suit and hat are lovely on her.
Happy Birthday Crown Princess Masako! It is great to see you looking so well. I love your outfit and hat, it is simple, classic, understated elegance.
This seems to have been a very good year for Princess Masako and I hope next year is even better for her.
She looks beautiful and it is so nice to see her smile and looking happy. Wishing you a wonderful birthday and all your dreams come true……
I agree that she looks lovely. We know that the style window is pretty narrow with the Imperial Family, so while it’s not a surprising hat in any way, it is still pleasing.