Imperial Royal Couple in Okinawa

Posted on June 27, 2014 by Royal Hats

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan visited Okinawa yesterday and today to take part in several World War II commemoration events. Yesterday, they visited the National Okinawa Cemetery for War Dear in Itoman City. Empress Michiko wore a large white saucer hat trimmed with a spray of greenery and yellow sea hibiscus, a flower native to the Okinawa area.

Empress Michiko, June 26, 2014 | Royal Hats Designer: I suspect Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: I believe this is a new hat

Today, the Imperial couple visited the Tsushima Maru memorial in Naha City to commemorate the 70th anniversary of this tragedy. Empress Michiko wore a small white saucer hat trimmed with a flat bow in the same mocha coloured fabric that trimmed her suit.

Empress Michiko, June 27, 2014 | Royal Hats

Designer: Again, my guess is Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: I believe this is also a new hat

Between the two hats, I prefer the larger size of the first saucer and find the choice of a local flower to trim it a very thoughtful touch. What do you think of these two white saucer hats?

Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan

Japanese Imperial Couple Open Health Congress

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Royal Hats

Last Tuesday, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attended the opening ceremony of the 6th International Congress of the World Federation of Occupational Therapists held in Yokohama City. Empress Michiko surprised me with a small black saucer hat trimmed with a bronze flecked bow. The bow echoed the collar of Michiko’s jacket and from a distance, looked like bronze leaves on her hat. It’s a rather avant garde look for the Empress and (I can’t believe I’m saying this) quite edgy for her. Since I’m a big fan of millinery experiments, I’m going to give this a thumbs up. What do you think of this very modern ensemble?

Empress Michiko, June 17, 2014 | Royal Hats 2Empress Michiko, June 17, 2014 | Royal Hats

Designer: my guess is Akio Hirata
Previously Worn: I believe this is a new hat

Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan

Imperial Family Pay Condolence Visits

Posted on June 24, 2014 by Royal Hats

While we have been enjoying the frilly and fun hats of Ascot, the Japanese royal family have quietly gone through the rituals of saying goodbye to a family member. On June 8, 2014, Emperor Akihito’s first cousin, Prince Yoshihito of Katsura passed away at the age of 66 years old. In the following days, members of the Imperial family called to pay condolence visits. Some of these family members wore hats.

Crown Princess Masako, June 8, 2014 | Royal Hats

Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako, June 8, 2014

Princess Hisako, June 8, 2014 | Royal Hats

Princess Hisako of Takamado, sister-in-law to Prince Katsura, June 8, 2014

Empress Michiko, June 9, 2014 | Royal Hats

Empress Michiko, June 9, 2014

On June 15, the Imperial couple paid another condolence visit to the Akasaka Estate Residence. Again, Empress Michiko wore a small, elegant black hat.

Empress Michiko, June 15, 2014 | Royal Hats

That same day, other members of the Imperial Royal Family attended a wake for Prince Katsura. As is expected, many wore small black hats.

Princess Kiko, June 15, 2014 | Royal Hats Princess Mako, June 15, 2014 | Royal Hats

Princess Kiko of Akishino and her daughter, Princess Mako of Akishino

Princess Hanako, June 15, 2014 | Royal Hats Princess Hisako, June 15, 2014 | Royal Hats

Princess Hanako of Hitachi and Princess Hisako of Takamado

Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan; Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun, Asahi Shimbun and Asahi Shimbun via Getty

Imperial Royals Celebrate Aristocratic Club

Posted on June 7, 2014 by Royal Hats

Last Tuesday, June 3, 2014, members of the Imperial Royal family attended the 140th anniversary of Kasumi Kaikan, a aristocratic club in Japan. Empress Michiko looked to be wearing a large saucer hat with swirled ribbon in the same pale silver as her beautiful suit. While I would love to see a more detailed picture of this hat, it appears to be a winner. Princess Kiko repeated her white pillbox hat (I think this hat has a bow at the back, seen here during its last outing). The slightly rounded edges on this hat work well for Kiko’s angular features, although the all white ensemble is rather boring. Perhaps this club has a secret dress code?

Empress Michiko, June 3, 2014 | Royal Hats Princess Kiko, June 3, 2014 | Royal Hats

Designer: unknown. I suspect Empress Michiko’s hat was designed by Akio Hirata
Previously Worn (Empress Michiko): I believe this hat is new
Previously Worn (Princess Kiko): August 18, 2013

Photos from The Imperial Family of Japan

Imperial Couple Wrap Up Visit to Honshu

Posted on June 3, 2014 by Royal Hats

Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko of Japan continued their visit to the Niigata Prefecture on the island of Honshu yesterday with visits to a rehabilitation center and the Kariyatagawa Disaster Prevention Park. The Empress repeated a petite dark slate blue disk hat trimmed with a large looped bow in the same fabric as her skirt. I am always happy to see Michiko in patterns or colour and to get both on the same day is a double win in my book.

Empress Michiko, June 2, 2014 | Royal Hats