Members of the Imperial royal family greeted visitors from the balcony of the Imperial Palace in Tokyo yesterday on the emperor’s 63rd birthday.
Empress Masako arrived in a vibrant blue velvet pillbox.
Princess Aiko wore a blush silk covered hat with short, upturned Breton brim trimmed with a triple pleated, draped hatband and bow at the back. It’s a piece that at closer view, I suspect, would show exquisite balance and beauty.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: This hat is new
Crown Princess Akiko repeated a bumper hat covered in pale citrusy green patterned silk jacquard.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: Dec 23, 2015
Princess Kako repeated a draped turquoise silk bandeau headpiece trimmed with a folded side bow appliqued in the same beaded lace as her gown.
Designer: unknown
Previously Worn: Jan 13, 2023; Jan 18, 2022
It’s lovely to see this tradition return for the first time during Emperor Naruhito’s reign.
Images from Getty as indicatedÂ
 to this day in 2002 when Crown Prince Naruhito and Crown Princess Masako took a wee Princess Aiko, in an adorable white bonnet, on a hike. Scroll through the gallery below for additional photos.
Royal Hats 