In 2009, the Japanese Society for the Promotion of Sciences celebrated the 20th anniversary of Emperor Akihito’s ascension to the Chrysanthemum Throne by establishing an award for young researchers. Today in Tokyo, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko awarded the 5th annual Ikushi Prize. For this event, Empress Michiko repeated a petite, dove grey rimmed saucer hat trimmed with pale blue and dove grey layered origami bows. It is not the most vibrant of hats but somehow, it seems fitting for handing out a technology prize, doesn’t it?
Designer: Likely Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: November 15, 2014
Photos from Asahi
Royal Hats 
I think she is incredibly stylish, no matter what she wears! Brava!
As much as I may rail on about the style required of Japanese princesses, I really enjoy pretty much everything I see of the empress. The colors palette she pulls from is narrow and subdued, but it suits her delicate features and skin. And it lets the nearly architectural shapes she prefers be the focus of her hats and clothing. She’s far from trendy, she doesn’t vary her style, but in some ways she’s the most modern-dressing royal.
I think the Imperial couple look adorable and it is great to see them supporting the sciences. I liked Empress Michiko’s dove grey outfit and hat, but I wish the hat was larger. I also think these hats perched right over her face look like they are about to fall off.
Great that science is treated as important in some countries.