The Nishijin district in Kyoto, famous for traditional weaving, continues to stage free kimono fashion shows in an effort to attract foreign tourists and rejuvenate the industry.
Since 1956, the Nishijin Textile Center in the ancient capital's Kamigyo Ward has organized some 140,000 shows, attracting an estimated 14 million spectators.
The Nishijin weaving business, which dates back more than 1,200 years, has been falling into dire straits as fewer people today wear kimono on a daily basis and inexpensive kimono are imported from overseas.