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.

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.

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?

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

Last Friday, the Imperial Emperor and Empress embarked on a three day trip to Wakayama to attend the 70th Japanese National Sports Festival. Empress Michiko kicked off the trip in a new cream saucer hat trimmed with a stylized arrow in the same geometric print as her blouse. I thought the arrow trim, which creates a much bolder overall look we usually see on the Empress’ millinery, was a new idea until I saw this similar hat, worn back in 2006.

Designer: I suspect Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: Uncertain. It has not been worn before in this form but I wonder if it is a reworked version of this hat. 

On Saturday, the royal couple opened the Sports Festival. For this event, Empress Michiko repeated her large rimmed white saucer had with folded slate blue bow.

Designer: Likely Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: May 17, 2015; May 26, 2013

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko concluded their visit yesterday with a visit to a Fruit Tree Experiment Station. For this final event, the Empress wore a smaller domed saucer hat trimmed with a two tone grey and green silk twist.

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

The photos from this weekend’s trip shed some light on the subtle differences between the Empress’ saucer hats. The saucers are flat, rimmed and domed- not great differences, perhaps, but ones that lend different impressions to this style of hat. What do you think of this trio of royal saucers?

Photos from Sankei, Sankei, Sankei, Sankei and Asahi