June 6 marked the fifth anniversary of the death of Prince Tomohito of Mikasa. As per tradition, a ‘grave festival’ was held at Toshima Oka cemetery in Tokyo. The Imperial family was led at this event by the late Prince Tomohito and Princess Nobuko’s daughters Princess Akiko and Princess Yoko; their grandmother, Princess Yuriko of Mikasa, Crown Prince Naruhito, Prince and Princess Akishino were also in attendance with the women in veiled black bumper hats and the men in morning dress, carrying silk top hats.
The event was also attended by former princesses Mrs. Sayako Kuroda (Prince Naruhito’s sister, the former Princess Nori) and Mrs. Noriko Senge (former Princess Noriko of Takamado) who repeated the dress code of pale grey dresses topped with black veiled bumper hats.
Today, a similar event was held at the same cemetery and shrine, this time to mark the third anniversary of the passing of Yoshihito, Prince Katsura. Similar black, veiled bumper hats were worn again for this event by Princess Yoriko of Mikasa (Prince Katura’s mother), Princess Kiko and Mrs. Sayako Kuroda. Again, Crown Prince Naruhito attended in morning dress, carrying a black silk top hat.
I very much like grey as an alternate mourning color. While there is nothing new or special about these hats and outfits, they all still look very elegant; the men are also well-dressed, but it’s interesting that we never see them actually wearing their top hats.
As for the appearance of Sayako and Noriko, it would make sense at a private family gathering, but I also wonder if it has something to do with the fact Sayako is an imperial Shinto priestess, and Noriko’s husband is a kannushi (caretaker of a Shinto shrine). Whatever the reason, it is nice to see them.
Lovely, appropriate dresses and hats for the ladies.
Getty Images has more photos of Mikasa and Takamado princesses, and Noriko Senge at Prince Katsura’s memorial. It appears black is worn for the 1st – 4th anniversaries and grey is allowed afterward. I wouldn’t read too much into Sayako and Noriko’s attendance. Former princesses are usually invited to family events like weddings, funerals, memorials, etc. Sayako attended Prince Takamado’s 3rd anniversary memorial ceremony after her marriage in 2005. Noriko has attended since her marriage too.
I’m curious about why the bumper seems to be the default style for the Japanese royal family. We don’t see that style detail nearly as often from the European royals. Also, that veil coming out from the top over the sides, worn by five of the princesses here, is a rather unusual design feature.
Yes, let’s hope the princesses can retain some of their royal ties after marriage.
Good pictures and interesting insights. Social changes in the west are not all that old themselves. Unfortunately one must work within the current restraints of each society.
Such a dignified and lovely way to remember loved ones. Everyone looks very elegant. I agree with Hat Queen that it would be nice to see former princesses retain some sort of ability to attend family and official events.