A pair of war memorials in Tokyo over the past two days have been attended by members of the Imperial Royal Family. Yesterday, Prince Fumihito and HIH Princess Kiko of Akishino attended a service paying tribute to unidentified Japanese victims of war at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery. For this ceremony, Princess Kiko wore a simple Bowler style hat with short brim and band around the base of the crown.
Today, the Emperor and Empress were on hand to lay a floral tribute at a service commemorating the 70th anniversary of the Great Tokyo Air Raid at Tokyo Memorial Hall (the resting place of the ashes of more than 1000 victims of the bombing). For this memorial event, Empress Michiko topped her white suit with a new rimmed saucer hat trimmed with a flat bow around the front of the hat.
There is something serenely beautiful about the Empress’ choice of white for these types of memorial events, isn’t there?
Photos from The Asahi Shimbun and The Asahi Shimbun via Getty
Royal Hats 
I understand that white is the colour of mourning in Japan, which would be why the Empress wears that colour.
Everything seems to be wrong with Princess Kiko. Her suit is too matronly, her hat is too big, and her body language is just strange – drooped shoulders and hands straight to her side; strange to me anyway. The Empress is always pure perfection.
I agree with what Peggy says: May 26, 2015 at 8:59 pm.
That hat on Princess Kiko looks like it is a bit too large for her in terms of head size, otherwise I think it is quite suitable for the occasion. The Empress looks fantastic and so regal once again.