Her research included two trips to Scotland with Steve Purcell, the screenwriter and co-director, and a crash course in kilt and tartan design.

WSJ: In 'Brave,' Software Adds Rich Detail

Shizue Melvin, designer at Edinburgh-based Scottish-Japanese tartan design company Sakura Scotland, said fashion conscious Japanese consumers have a disposition to Britain and British goods.

BBC: Scottish fabrics making unexpected journeys

Earlier this year, a tartan firm targeted the Russian market with the production of a design inspired by Moscow landmarks.

BBC: Scotland hopes to harness the Russian market