TOKYO: When Japan announced a state of emergency due to the coronavirus pandemic this year, people were urged to declutter their homes to pass the time, with Tokyo’s governor even roping in household-organising celebrity Marie Kondo in promotional videos.
“I thought it was a waste to leave the kimonos just hanging up, and if someone from a younger generation would wear them, that would make me happy,” said Iwama, who sold 22 kimonos for ¥4,000 yen . Visits to people’s homes surged 31% to 20,990 in October from a year ago, the company said, adding that three-quarters of its customers are in their 50s or older, selling kimonos, luxury handbags, and jewellery.