Where to begin?

[WillowEstate]

Hi shamada, that's a VERY big question! But don't worry, you'll get lots of suggestions.

Here are a couple of links to some Japanese tartans, part of a "Four Seasons" set:

http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tar....aspx?ref=5721

http://www.tartanregister.gov.uk/tar....aspx?ref=5901

You can get to the others from these pages.

Apparently the pink ones are supposed to honour Japanese Cherry Blossom but you may not find too many people here who like it.

If there are any kiltmakers in Japan (I've no idea!), it would certainly be worth talking to them and get their opinions.

How easy it is to find a weaver who makes the Japanese tartans, I don't know - I can't imagine there would be a huge market for them but who knows?

While I'm sure you will aspire to a full quality woollen kilt, they are a bit expensive but worth it but you might want to start off with a cheaper one, perhaps made of polyviscose (PV). Several of the kiltmakers here offer kilts in that material and all are "properly built". You really don't need to go to Pakistan! Some of the Scottish retailers offer PV kilts in a basic range of tartans at very reasonably prices - they are excellent first kilts to "practice" in - there is a small learning curve to get used to managing an 8 yard kilt!

As to which tartan you can wear, it would be bad manners to wear a tartan with an association with a specific family or group without permission of whoever leads the group. But there are many generic tartans that can provide whatever colour mix you like, always safe to choose one of those.

To decide what style fits your body shape, I would recommend you get in contact with a kiltmaker and discuss it with photographs, etc. Very important, ask the kiltmaker how to measure yourself - they all have their own preferred methods, don't use one kiltmaker's measurements with a different kiltmaker - even if buying "off the rack". much better to ask than be disappointed.

As for getting the whole outfit right, or at least getting the guidelines to do your own think, take a look at some of the pipers here, OC Richard springs to mind as a very stylish example.

Good luck with your journey into the wonderful world of kilt wearing!