![The Imperial Household Agency released this recent photo of Japanese Empress Michiko in full dress on November 8, 1990 prior to the ceremonies of the Enthronement of Emperor Akihito slated for November 12](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-1018-michiko01.jpg?resize=1200%2C742&ssl=1)
Our survey of some of Empress Michiko’s most sparkling tiara moments continues today with a very significant day in her life: the imperial enthronement in 1990.
![Emperor Akihito (left), wearing a traditional Japanese costume, stands inside the Takamikura (Imperial throne) during the enthronement ceremony at the Imperial Palace, November 12, 1990. At right is Empress Michiko](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-1018-michiko03.jpg?resize=1200%2C800&ssl=1)
Michiko’s father-in-law, Emperor Hirohito, died in January 1989. Her husband, Akihito, immediately became emperor, but the couple’s enthronement ceremonies were not held until November 1990, more than a year later. Both Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko wore traditional Japanese attire for the elaborate enthronement at the the Imperial Palace in Tokyo.
![The Imperial Household Agency released this recent photo of Japanese Empress Michiko in full dress on November 8, 1990 prior to the ceremonies of the Enthronement of Emperor Akihito slated for November 12](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-1018-michiko02.jpg?resize=1200%2C1800&ssl=1)
For some aspects of the festivities, the imperial couple wore Western-style attire, including gala jewels for the empress. This official portrait of Empress Michiko was released on November 8, 1990, a few days before the enthronement. In the image, she wears a gorgeous gown with an ethereal embroidered cape, plus the insignia of the Order of the Precious Crown and major diamonds. Her impressive diadem, the Meiji Tiara, is reserved for the use of the Japanese empress. It was made in the nineteenth century during the reign of Emperor Meiji, and it was first worn by his consort, Empress Haruko.
![A newly enthroned Japanese Emperor Akihito and wife Empress Michiko proceed through central Tokyo in a motorcade acknowledging well-wishers, 12 November 1990](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-1018-michiko04.jpg?resize=1200%2C803&ssl=1)
Empress Michiko also wore the tiara during the enthronement celebrations themselves, including a motorcade parade through central Tokyo on November 12.
![Japanese Emperor Akihito (L) gives a smile of encouragement to Empress Michiko (R) after changing out of the traditional enthronement ceremony costumes before joining a motorcade to parade through central Tokyo on November 12, 1990](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-1018-michiko05.jpg?resize=1200%2C1800&ssl=1)
For the parade, Michiko wore another elegant gown, this time featuring a short capelet, with diamonds.
![A newly enthroned Japanese Emperor Akihito and wife Empress Michiko proceed through central Tokyo in a motorcade acknowledging well-wishers, 12 November 1990](https://i0.wp.com/www.thecourtjeweller.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/2022-1018-michiko06.jpg?resize=1050%2C1410&ssl=1)
Here’s a closer view of Empress Michiko wearing the Meiji Tiara while riding in the motorcade alongside her husband.
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