The Imperial royal couple visited the mausoleums of Emperor Showa and Empress Kojun (late parents of Emperor Akihito) yesterday at the Musashino Imperial Graveyard in Tokyo. For this customary visit following a foreign tour, Empress Michiko repeated her stacked grey saucer hat with slim stripe around the trim and flat bow trim.
Designer: Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: November 20, 2013; August 15, 2011; August 15, 2009; June 22, 2009; August 15, 2008; August 15, 2007; August 15, 2006; August 15, 2005; August 15, 2004; March 17, 2004; August 15, 2003; August 15, 2002; August 15, 2001; August 15, 1995
Later in the day, the Emperor and Empress visited Takao Mikoromo Hall, a Buddhist shine and memorial for victims of industrial accidents during the post-war rapid economic growth of Japan. For this engagement, the Empress repeated her larger scale pale grey saucer hat trimmed with charcoal grey origami flower. This is always an attractive hat on her- the pale grey saucer breaks up the darker grey ensemble and the origami trim gives layered interest to the hat.
Designer: likely Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: January 14, 2015; April 11, 2014; December 6, 2013; December 2, 2013
Photos from Getty as indicated
Royal Hats 
I liked the Empress’s outfits. They are flattering to her, including those origami-inspired hats.
Another interesting hat that day was the one worn by the Shinto priest – pity it is not a Royal hat so that we can discuss it! 🙂
These are both excellent hats for the Empress and very appropriate for the occasions. FYI, they are Their Imperial Majesties, not Highnesses. 🙂