Tartans are no longer in boring blue but popping pink after a British designer became inspired by Japanese cherry blossoms and a Scottish Samurai. When I first heard this I thought it was a pop tart but no its not! Tartan is actually a common striped pattern that is typically seen on school uniforms. And we all know Japan is big on school uniforms.

The tartan dubbed Sakura, meaning Japanese cherry blossom, was by designed by David McGill from Edinburgh, UK. He is best known for running International Tartan in addition to many bowling trophies.

Glover became inspired to design a pink tartan after reading the story of Thomas Glover, the “Scottish samurai” in addition to consulting from a friend named Shizue Melvin. He states “I do my research before choosing the colours and design and look for links with Scotland. With Japan, there is the wonderful story of Thomas Glover.”

Side note, Thomas Glover was a leading figure in the industrialization of Japan.

The tartan has yet to be woven however he plans to have it ready to pitch to Japanese stores by October.