Copyright © 2026 Kotomora. All Rights Reserved.
市松模様 (いちまつもよう) Japanese meaning | Kotomora
Meanings 1
noun, noun which may take the genitive case particle 'no'
ichimatsu pattern ; checkered pattern ; checks
A traditional Japanese pattern of alternating dark and light squares, similar to a checkerboard. Often used in textiles, design, and architecture. The term is culturally specific and commonly recognized in Japan.
の
帯おび
を
締し
め
て
いる
。
She is wearing an obi with a checkered pattern.
Similar words チェック チェック is a general loanword for any check pattern, while 市松模様 specifically refers to the traditional Japanese alternating-square design, often with cultural connotations.
格こう 子し 模も 様よう 格子模様 is a lattice or grid pattern, which can include checks but is broader; 市松模様 is a specific type of checkered pattern with alternating colored squares.
Etymology The name comes from the kabuki actor Sanogawa Ichimatsu (佐野川市松), who popularized the pattern in the 18th century by wearing hakama with this design. The pattern itself is older, but the association with Ichimatsu gave it the name.
