Japanese Four Seasons: A Tartan Celebration of Nature and Culture
At International Tartans, our mission is to tell stories through tartan, weaving together heritage, culture, and meaning. Our Japanese Four Seasons collection, designed by David McGill, is a set of four unique tartans, each one representing a season They draw on Japanese symbolism while staying rooted in Scotland’s weaving tradition.
The tartans were created in 2008 to mark 150 years since the first treaty between Japan and the UK and the arrival of Thomas Blake Glover, the Scottish Samurai, in Nagasaki. It is both a celebration of renewal and a tribute to the long-standing friendship between our two nations.
We’re excited to announce that three of these tartans: Chouchou (Summer), and Kiku (Autumn), Nihon (Winter) are now available for pre-order. Sakura, one of our most popular tartans, is now in stock.
Sakura Tartan: Spring
The Sakura Tartan captures the beauty of Japan’s cherry blossoms, the most beloved symbol of spring. Its colours are soft pink, deep rose, white, and fresh green. They reflect the fleeting but profound beauty of the blossoms.
Chouchou Tartan: Summer
The Chouchou Tartan is inspired by butterflies (chouchou in Japanese), which symbolise transformation and beauty in summer. Its design blends cool blues and whites with touches of gold and red, evoking clear skies, shimmering water, and the warmth of the season.
Kiku Tartan: Autumn
Autumn in Japan is marked by the blooming of chrysanthemums (kiku), the flower of nobility and longevity. The Kiku Tartan reflects this tradition with deep reds, regal purples, and warm golds, echoing the splendour of chrysanthemum festivals and the flower’s imperial symbolism.
Nihon Tartan: Winter
The fourth design, the Nihon Tartan, will complete the set. Nihon, means “origin of the sun” and reflects Japan itself. With bold reds and blues, this tartan represents the crisp beauty and mythology of winter.
The Japanese Collection: made for celebrations, weddings and anniversaries
The Collection is more than fabric, it’s a meaningful way to mark life’s most important occasions. It’s the perfect choice for celebrations, weddings, and anniversaries. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift with cultural depth, a distinctive corporate gift, or a beautiful fabric for personal keepsakes, these tartans carry symbolism, artistry, and heritage.
Weddings & Anniversaries
Incorporate the tartans into wedding attire, accessories, or décor to celebrate love and the beauty of the seasons. Sakura is especially popular for spring weddings, while Kiku brings warmth to autumn ceremonies. Check out our full range of Wedding clothing and accessories.
Bespoke Gifts
From scarves and ties to homeware, these tartans make thoughtful and memorable gifts that connect Japanese symbolism with Scottish craftsmanship. See all our handmade products.
Corporate Gifts & Events
Show respect and appreciation with a unique tartan that reflects friendship, tradition, and international connection — ideal for business partners, visiting delegations, or special milestones. See all our handmade products.
Celebrations
Whether marking seasonal festivals, birthdays, or cultural events, the Japanese Four Seasons tartans add beauty and meaning to the occasion. See all our handmade products.
Registered Tartans
Each piece is a registered tartan, blending Japan’s seasonal symbols with Scotland’s weaving tradition, making them as authentic as they are beautiful. Celebrate Japan’s seasons with us, through the timeless artistry of tartan.
Available now: Sakura
Coming soon: Chouchou, Kiku and Nihon.