On Saturday, Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako attended the ceremony in Tokyo to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of the Big Brothers and Sisters Movement in Japan. For the event, Princess Masako wore an ivory bowler style hat with upturned kettle brim, simply trimmed with a wide hatband in the same pale gold as her suit.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new
I’d describe this hat as simple but serviceable – what’s your take on it?
Photos from The Asahi Shimbun and The Asahi Shimbun via Getty
Royal Hats 
I like this for Masako, and the more rounded bowler shape is a bit different from her usual styles. I do wonder what this would look like with her hair down.
I like the cheerful color. Masako wore this suit with a cowboy-looking hat in 2002. This bowler is better although it’s nice the cowboy hat was larger. I hope she’ll someday repeat the big white hat from 1996’s visit to Yamanashi.
I love the color coordination but to me her hat looks to big. Is it supposed to be that low on her forehead?
Sue, that is exactly what I was thinking, but this is not the only one of her hats that sits so low – I wonder if it’s either a particular style there in Japan, or just her own preference.
Love the color and coordination with her outfit. It must be hard to be restricted to a certain color palette but this really works. I do like the bowler shape and her updo looks very nice. Get well HatQueen. Hope you feel better soon.
Dear Hatqueen, I’m so sorry to hear from Jimbo that you’re not well. I’m praying that you quickly return to your most fabulous self!
Lovely color, but I’m not sold on the shape.
HQ, you describe this as simple but serviceable. I describe it as typical yet still very nice. There must be strict limitations set on the Imperial colors – not many deeper saturated hues.
Get well quickly, so you can enjoy your well deserved break from all of us hat enthusiasts!
It will be boring here for a while.
Not boring, Jimbo- I have a post ready for you all each day to keep you entertained while I’m away.
And thanks for your good wishes!