This morning, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended the 45th annual memorial service for the 66,000 civil sailors who perished during World War II. For this event, the Empress repeated her grey double saucer hat trimmed with a simple grey bow. When it comes to demure dress and hats, no one tops Empress Michiko and her ensemble struck just the right chord for this event.
Designer: Likely Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: May 16, 2015
Photo from Asahi
Royal Hats 
The Empress certainly can rock dove grey like few others can, and I love her for it!
The Empress is wearing a nicely coordinated little hat and outfit, and although it is conservative, and appropriate for a tragic event, it isn’t drab, and it’s true to her own distinct style. Well played Empress!
Yeah but she always seems to wear grey. I wish she would wear brighter colours. It would be a nice change.
I also wish she wore brighter colors and a print or two but I think grey is a nice change from black for a memorial.