Category Archives: Japan

Catching Up With The Imperial Royals

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Last week, Princess Hisako of Takamado was in Wakayama to take part in the closing ceremony of the 15th National Sports Festival for People with Disabilities. She showed off a new hat for the occasion, a brimless moulded piece in dark purple felt with a slightly pointed crown. It looks like the hat is trimmed in a small spray of feathers on the left side. I adore the rich colour on Hisako and like the shape of the hat on her. It’s certainly an improvement over the hat she last paired with this suit.

Princess Hisako, October 26, 2015 | Royal Hats   Princess Hisako, October 26, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown. 
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new

On Saturday, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended events celebrating 40 years since the founding of the United Nations University. For this anniversary, Empress Michiko repeated her slate blue saucer hat with blue and gold origami bow. This is the third time we have seen this hat so far this year and I suspect that many of you, like me, are liking more with each outing. The Empress looks lovely in blue and the gold trim on the hat ties so well with the gold lapel and cape lining on her jacket.

Empress Michiko, October 30, 2015 | Royal Hats

Empress Michiko, October 30, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown. Likely a milliner at Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: May 17, 2015;  April 9, 2015

 

Photos from Sankei and Getty as indicated

Japanese Royals Visit Brazil

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Prince Akishino and his wife Princess Kiko arrived in Sao Paulo yesterday to begin a short visit to Brazil. On their visit the Monument to Japanese Immigration Pioneers at the Ibirapuera Park, the couple planted a memorial tree. Princess Kiko wore a simple cream straw hat with a squared crown and gently rolled brim. The hat is trimmed in a slim band around the base of the crown in the same textured beige silk as her suit. We don’t often see the princess in straw hats (most of her hats are felt or covered in fabric) or in such large brims and it’s nice to see this bit of change.

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: I believe this hat is new
Photos from Getty as indicated

Imperial Royal Couple in Toyama

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Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko were in Toyama over the weekend to take part in the 35th National Healthy Ocean Meetings. For their arrival on Saturday, Empress Michiko repeated her large white domed saucer hat trimmed in a black and caramel bow that coordinates with her jacket. The slightly different stripe between the bow and the jacket gives a tiny bit of visual interest to the piece although I still wish the hat was a colour other than harsh white.

Empress Michiko, October 24, 2015 | Royal Hats

Empress Michiko, October 24, 2015 | Royal Hats

Empress Michiko, October 24, 2015 | Royal Hats Empress Michiko, October 24, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: My guess is Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: October 29, 2014

On Sunday, the Imperial couple attended the Healthy Ocean conference in Imizu. Empress Michiko wore one of her most oft-worn hats, a small pale grey saucer with upturned rim around the back. The petite piece is trimmed by a large charcoal grey origami flower.

Empress Michiko, October 25, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: likely Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: April 17, 2015; April 17, 2015; January 14, 2015;  April 11, 2014; December 6, 2013; December 2, 2013

Yesterday, the Emperor and Empress capped off their three day visit with a stop at an aquaculture center in Namerikawa. Empress Michiko used the occasion to début a new hat in teal blue. Another domed saucer, this small piece is trimmed in a simple flat bow in the same fabric as her coordinating suit. It is wonderful to see the Empress in a bit of colour and pattern and I think this ensemble is very smart on her. She looks great in teal, doesn’t she?

Empress Michiko, October 26, 2015 | Royal Hats

Empress Michiko, October 26, 2015 | Royal Hats Empress Michiko, October 26, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: This hat is new

My favourite hat in this trio, by wide margin, is the new teal saucer hat the Empress wore yesterday – do you agree?

Photos from Yomiyuri; Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun via Getty; Ashahi Shimbun; Asahi Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun via Getty

 

Imperial Royals Celebrate Birthdays

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On Tuesday, Crown Princess Masako was spotted arriving at the Imperial Palace to greet her mother-in-law on the occasion of her eighty-first birthday. Masako wore a new hat for the visit, in the same pale gold moire taffeta as her ruffled neck suit. The unadorned hat featured a rounded crown and pleated bumper brim which gave the piece some much needed movement.

Crown Princess Masako, October 20, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: this hat is new

Yesterday, Princess Masako arrived at the Imperial Palace for a family lunch hosted by her grandparents on the occasion of her 24th birthday. The young princess repeated a demure rounded pillbox hat in palest blush pink printed silk.

Princess Mako, October 23, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: December 24, 2014

Photos from Sankei

Japanese Royals Open Environmental Conference

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Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako attended the Global Environmental Action International Conference opening ceremony yesterday (read the Japanese Prime Minister opening remarks here). For this conference, which is taking place in Tokyo, Princess Masako repeated a pale beige hat with rolled crown and darker ribbon around the base of the crown. While it’s not the most exciting hat or ensemble, the mere presence of Crown Princess at such public events (and looking so comfortable) trumps even her millinery.

Crown Princess Masako, October 15, 2015 | Royal Hats Crown Princess Masako, October 15, 2015 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: November 29, 2013

Photo from Asahi