‘This combo bothers me’ cry shoppers as Scots towns emblazoned on tops in Japan

SHOPPERS have been left stunned after discovering that Scottish towns have become a fashion hit in Japan.

The names of local authorities across the country have been spotted emblazoned onto T-shirts by fashion brand Shoo-La-Rue.

The Tokyo-based brand launched an incredible range which features Clackmannanshire, Falkirk, North Lanarkshire and West Lothian.

It is part of the “Cutie Blonde” collection which is sold both online and in shops throughout Japan.

Shoo-La-Rue is owned by retailer World who describe the tops as being “fun” and perfectly paired with “voluminous wide pants”.

And they’ve been spotted for going as cheap as £7.20 (1,489 yen) in shopping centres across Saiki, a city in the Oita area of Japan.

Football coach David Clements, 39, told BBC Scotland News he was baffled when he noticed it in the shop’s sale section.

David is originally from Glasgow but splits his time between Scotland and Saiki after meeting his wife there 14 years ago

I think this is class. I’ve always admired the Japanese people and culture

User on X

He said: “I couldn’t believe it when I saw it. It was on their promotional rail, so it is obviously something they are proud of.

“I think even if you saw someone walking about one of the really fashionable areas of Tokyo, you would be confused by it”.

But the details on the tops have left people confused.

One navy blue top reads “Clackmannanshire since 1974” with palm trees surrounding it with the caption: “Clarity Precedes Success”.

A cream-coloured T-shirt has “West Lothian since 1872” while a beige top has “North Lanarkshire” on the front surrounded with daisies.

And the “Falkirk” design on another top incorrectly suggests that the town is in West Lothian.

But David explains that some Japanese brands will put areas or words on fashion items without having them checked – which could also be the reason behind the random dates next to the areas.

I love this, although the Falkirk/West Lothian combo bothers me…

User on X

The tops have gone viral on social media after snaps from the Shoo-La-Rue website and were posted on X, formerly known as Twitter.

An account called Scotland’s Coefficient wrote: “Fascinated by this.

“Japanese people wearing t-shirts adorned with random Scottish areas and towns, with dates of seemingly no relevance”.

Users have flocked to the comments to share their delight after some spotted their local council mentioned on the clothing.

One person wrote: “I think this is class. I’ve always admired the Japanese people and culture. They love the Scotch Whiskey too!”

Another added: “Japan must love Scotland”.

Someone else chimed in: “How much do these cost and where can I buy them”.

While a fourth joked: “The famous Clackmannanshire palm trees!”

But others were less than impressed with the brand trying to claim that Falkirk is in West Lothian.

A user commented: “Falkirk has finally been annexed by West Lothian Council?”

A second admitted: “I love this, although the Falkirk/West Lothian combo bothers me…”

And someone else joked: “This must be the equivalent of the Tesco F&F T-shirts saying Osaka & Tokyo”.