Some wonderful Imperial hats worn during the 1950s. Emperor Emeritus Akihito looks particularly dapper in his fedora in the third photo and you may recognize a young Prince pf Hitachi, with sisters Princess Atsuko and Princess Takako in the first. The bottom photo shows Emperor Hirohito and Empress Nagako looking relaxed in summer hats worn to catch shellfishes at a beach outside the Hayama Imperial Villa in July 1963.
Photos from social media as indicated and The Asahi Shimbun via Getty
I’ve always been sad Akihito did not keep wearing hats regularly as he got older as he wore them well, but I assume he was just following general trends for menswear.
These are some great photos I’ve not seen before, but reminds me that I should try to round up more of the photos I’ve randomly found in the past year of the Japanese Imperial Family in hats back in the 1940s, 50s, and 60s.
Please share Jake! I think these photos are fantastic.
Jimbo, I love what you said about familial atmosphere.
These are fantastic photos from the past! The entire familial atmosphere is one of relaxation, casualness, and informality, not often seen today. HQ, I agree with your appreciation of the emperor’s fedora.