200th Anniversary of Empress Go-Sakuramachi

On Tuesday, the Imperial Religious Ceremonies commemorating the 200th anniversary of the death of Empress Go-Sakuramachi  (1740-1813) were held both in Tokyo and Kyoto (the Empress was the last female monarch in Japan). Princess Akiko  attended the ceremony held at the mausoleum of the Empress in Kyoto. She wore a simple black pillbox hat that I thought was befitting the somber occasion. I think, however, I would have preferred it worn a little further back on her head.

Princess Akiko, December 24, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog    Princess Akiko, December 24, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog

Photo from The Imperial Family Of Japan

Wrapping up the Japanese Imperial Tour of India

Last week, the Japanese Imperial couple spent the week on tour in India. On Wednesday, December 4, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko visited the Kalakshetra Art Academy in Chennai. The Empress debuted a new hat, in her signature ‘saucer’ shape. This hat, one of Michiko’s larger saucers in white, was trimmed with silk orange blossoms and green leaves. I thought it was quite delicate and looked rather pretty on the Empress.

Empress Michiko, December 4, 2013 | The Royal Hats BlogThe Imperial couple returned to Japan on Friday. Empress Michiko repeated the dove grey saucer hat with charcoal grey origami flower she wore while on the Indian tour.

Empress Michiko, December 6, 2013 | The Royal Hats BlogDesigner: unconfirmed
Previously Worn: December 2, 2013

As is tradition, they were greeted at Haneda International Airport by other members of the Imperial family (from right: Crown Prince Naruhito, Crown Princess Masako, Prince Fumihito, Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, Princess Hanako, Princess Akiko and Princess Hisako). I’m not sure I have ever seen so many blue small brimmed royal hats at the same event…. I wonder if a memo was sent requesting all the Imperial ladies to wear a blue hat?!

Imperial Royal family, December 6, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog

Photos from FNN and The Imperial Family of Japan

Catching Up With the Imperial Royal Family

In the midst of a month filled with royal events around the world, I apologize, dear readers, that I have not kept up with the Japanese Imperial Family’s engagements. On November 1, the Emperor and Empress attended at Sophia University’s 100th Anniversary. Empress Michiko wore another one of her signature saucer hats, this one in cream with a charcoal grey trailing flower. With her cream and charcoal graphic suit, the overall look was quite smart.

Empress Michiko, Nov. 1, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog

On November 6th, the Imperial Family hosted a tea party for the recipients of the Order of Culture and persons of cultural merits. While Empress Michiko and Princess Kiko wore traditional kimonos, Crown Princess Masako, wore a beautiful creamy pink silk coat dress and matching bumper-style hat. Ordinarily, I would find this hat in need of something – a little embellishment or pop of colour to liven it up. On Masako (who attended this event for the first time in ten years), I thought it was just right.

Crown Princess Masako, Nov. 6, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog Crown Princess Masako, Nov. 6, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog Crown Princess Masako, Nov. 6, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog

And finally, on November 11th, Empress Michiko, Princess Kiko and Princess Akiko of Mikasa attended the 474th Concert of Shichikukai at Toka Gakudo, the music hall of Imperial Palace.  Princess Kiko wore a very pale grey hat with wide folded brim while Princess Akiko wore a white bowler style hat with pink ribbon around the crown.

Princess Kiko and Princess Akiko, Nov. 11, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog Princess Kiko and Princess Akiko, Nov. 11, 2013 | The Royal Hats Blog

Thanks to reader Owen for his assistance updating these events.

Photos from Imperial Family of Japan,  Imperial Family of Japan and Imperial Family of Japan

Princess Akiko Supports Japan In Argentina

Several royals have traveled to Buenos Aires, Argentina to attend the 125th IOC Session which begins today. While we have not seen photos of Grand Duke Henri of Luxembourg, Prince Albert of Monaco, King Constantine of Greece, Crown Prince Frederik of Denmark, Princess Anne, the Princess Royal, Princess Hisako of Takamodomiya or Princess Nora of Liechtenstein in a hat (nor do I expect to), Princess Akiko of Mikasa was spotted with millinery at the Japanese Botanical Gardens yesterday. Princess Akiko, eldest daughter of the late Prince Tomahito of Mikasa (who was first cousin to Emporer Akihito), is accompanying the Japanese delegation to support the Tokyo bid for the 2020 Olympics. For her visit to the gardens, Akiko wore a characteristically sedate dove grey hat with rounded crown and upturned brim.

Embed from Getty Images

Embed from Getty Images

Photo by Getty as indicated