Emperor Naruhito, Empress Masako, Crown Prince Akishino, Crown Princess Kiko, Princess Mako, Princess Kako and other members of Japanese imperial family attended a scaled-down New Year's reception held for ambassadors to Japan at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. The royal ladies did not wear tiaras in consideration of people's struggles amid the pandemic. The reception is held each year traditionally at the beginning of new year.
There are some lovely gowns worn here, especially the sleeveless and capped sleeved ones. Love the photo about three quarters of the way down of the two ladies, one in mauve/lilac and the other in ivory with lots of embellishment on the bodice. Both very nice.
ReplyDeleteHowever all the ladies look regal, even with masks, and the men are very dashing in full ceremonial dress.
- Anon 9:13
I think the two ladies you mention are Princess Takamako and her daughter, Tsuguko. By Japanese standards, they are always more flamboyant, and I delight in seeing them.
Delete@Debra: Yes I admit I don't know who exactly they all are (other than of course the crown prince, his wife and two daughters) nor their relationship to each other, but I have noticed in the past that the one in the ivory gown is usually more contemporarily styled in her choice of lovely outfits at the events she attends.
DeleteI'm guessing that the Imperial family party are the sisters, sisters-in-law and nieces of the former emperor? I've also wondered where the male members of the extended Imperial family are, if not deceased, and why they don't appear as part of the Imperial entourage. Is it contrary to protocol?
- Anon 9:13
Good question Anon 9:13. about the male members of the Imperial entourage.
DeleteMaybe there's a shortage of males in the Imperial Royal Family to attend these events.
Maybe they need to find some partners for the young Japanese princesses.
But hopefully the males are not there because of football matches on the Japanese football channel :-))
I love the Emperor and Empress, they are such a cute couple. The Empress is perfection as usual, such a class act. The Emperor looks so handing his tux. The family looks great.
ReplyDeleteChel
The dresses of Japanese princesses are well-tailored, but still the same for many years - still the same - so boring.
ReplyDeleteThe reception room in the Imperial Palace looks like a gymnasium at our school.
Think of their clothing at formal public events as a uniform, as that is almost certainly what it is - the style, colour and design of which is determined by the Imperial Household Agency, and has been for ages. The wearers of the clothes have limited input or choice on these matters. In their private lives outside Royal life they can choose to dress however they like - and they do.
DeleteYou have to look at centuries of Japanese culture, history and philosophy to understand the formal architecture of the rooms and buildings used on formal occasions. There is a reason and purpose for everything.
- Anon 9:13
To Anon 5:09
DeleteYes, I understand that architecture is related to Japanese culture and philosophy, I have a pretty good overview of it, I assure you. I am not a supporter of Baroque decorativeness, I like the elegance of Classicism more. But with all due respect to Japanese culture - that room really looks like a gym in our school.
As for the clothes - they are not related to Japanese culture. The princesses' clothes seem to stayed in the 1950s, and everyone is afraid or unable to move fashion forward while maintaining conservatism.
I agree with you, @1:03. Their dresses could be interchangeable.
DeleteEmpress Masako is one the most elegrant royal ladies around. Whenever I see a picture of her, I always think to myself that I would love to tour a museum with her.
ReplyDeleteOr just have a conversation about anything.
The Empresses and Princesses look very elegant and conservative. The first thing that popped in my mind was they are dressed appropriately for a wedding too!. I do understand that this is their culture.....
ReplyDelete11 mujeres y dos hombres en la casa real.
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