The Midori Prize is a biennial international prize awarded to individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the conservation and sustainable use of biodiversity at global, regional or local levels. The 9th prize was awarded yesterday at a ceremony in Tokyo attended by the Emperor and Empress. Empress Michiko repeated her pale grey rimmed saucer hat with folded flower trim in the same charcoal grey as her suit. Interestingly, this is the same hat we saw the Empress wear last week– since she seldom repeats the same hat back to back, we can only guess she is very fond of this one. Of all her grey hats, this one is certainly my favourite as well.
Designer: likely Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: April 17, 2015; January 14, 2015; April 11, 2014; December 6, 2013; December 2, 2013
Photos from Asahi
Royal Hats 
I love this cute teensy hat on the Empress but it’s way too soon to give it an encore! The suit and accessories are stylish, but the color doesn’t do much for her.
I love seeing this Imperial couple; they compliment each other and are always so impeccably dressed. I always look at Empress Michiko’s shoes (I have a shoe fetish). She doesn’t appear to wear the “court” shoes, but more stylish, yet appropriate, shoes.
I like the Empress’s outfits on her. They are flattering to her, including those origami-inspired hats, because she is so petite and slender, and true to her own style.
The empress is always so perfectly dressed. Like Queen Elizabeth, she is a pillar of style and decorum in a sea of sweatpants and hoodies. I also love the way the emperor is so attentive to her. Very gentlemanly.
I totally agree with you, but a little more color would be nice. WAY too much grey and drab hues for my taste.
All the royals featured on this blog have a lot to teach us Yanks.