GITNUXREPORT 2026

Kimono Industry Statistics

Japan's kimono industry faces declining domestic sales but sees growth in rentals and exports.

Min-ji Park

Research Analyst focused on sustainability and consumer trends.

First published: Feb 13, 2026

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Statistic 1

65% of kimono wearers in Japan are women aged 40-60 as of 2023 surveys.

Statistic 2

28% of Japanese women own at least one kimono, down from 45% in 2000.

Statistic 3

Rental kimono users aged 20-30 comprised 52% of total in 2023.

Statistic 4

15% of kimono purchases in 2022 were by men, mainly for formal events.

Statistic 5

Urban consumers (Tokyo/Osaka) represent 62% of kimono market spend.

Statistic 6

42% of kimono buyers in 2023 cited cultural events as primary reason.

Statistic 7

Overseas tourists rented 2.8 million kimono in Kyoto in 2023.

Statistic 8

Average annual kimono spending per household is 12,000 yen in Japan.

Statistic 9

35% of Gen Z Japanese express interest in modern kimono fashion.

Statistic 10

Wedding kimono rentals account for 48% of female consumers aged 25-35.

Statistic 11

22% growth in kimono purchases by seniors over 65 in 2023.

Statistic 12

Online kimono shoppers are 55% female, average age 32.

Statistic 13

18% of kimono owners are foreigners living in Japan.

Statistic 14

Casual yukata preferred by 67% of consumers under 40.

Statistic 15

Kimono worn for Shichi-Go-San ceremonies by 92% of girls aged 7.

Statistic 16

55% of young women prefer fusion kimono-streetwear hybrids.

Statistic 17

75% of kimono industry revenue tied to cultural festivals annually.

Statistic 18

UNESCO recognized Kyoto's kimono dyeing as intangible heritage in 2019.

Statistic 19

Over 1,300 years of kimono history, originating from Heian period robes.

Statistic 20

Kimono featured in 85% of traditional Noh theater performances.

Statistic 21

Annual Coming-of-Age Day sees 1.2 million furisode kimono worn.

Statistic 22

Tea ceremony participants wear kimono in 95% of formal sessions.

Statistic 23

450 registered kimono cultural properties in national museums.

Statistic 24

Kimono motifs include 200+ traditional patterns like crane and cherry blossom.

Statistic 25

Imperial family wears kimono at 40 state events yearly.

Statistic 26

68% of Japanese view kimono as national dress symbol.

Statistic 27

Geisha districts preserve 120 kimono styles historically.

Statistic 28

Kimono in anime/manga appears in 25% of period dramas.

Statistic 29

Annual kimono fashion shows attract 50,000 attendees globally.

Statistic 30

15 national kimono artisan awards given yearly since 1955.

Statistic 31

Kimono exported as cultural ambassadors to 120 countries.

Statistic 32

82% of school cultural festivals feature kimono displays.

Statistic 33

Historical kimono collections exceed 10,000 pieces in Tokyo National Museum.

Statistic 34

Kimono exports to the United States reached 1.2 billion yen in 2022, up 18% YoY.

Statistic 35

China imported 950 million yen worth of kimono products in 2023, mainly yukata.

Statistic 36

EU kimono market imports totaled 620 million yen in 2022, with France at 28% share.

Statistic 37

South Korea's kimono imports grew 25% to 380 million yen in 2023.

Statistic 38

Australia saw a 32% rise in kimono imports, reaching 150 million yen in 2022.

Statistic 39

Online kimono exports via Etsy and eBay hit 280 million yen globally in 2023.

Statistic 40

Vietnam emerged as a top importer with 210 million yen in 2022 kimono purchases.

Statistic 41

UK kimono retail imports valued at 95 million yen in 2023, focused on wedding wear.

Statistic 42

Total kimono re-exports from Hong Kong were 140 million yen in 2022.

Statistic 43

Singapore imported 75 million yen of luxury kimono in 2023 for events.

Statistic 44

Brazilian market for kimono imports doubled to 45 million yen in 2022.

Statistic 45

Canadian kimono imports reached 110 million yen, up 15% in 2023.

Statistic 46

Duty-free kimono sales at Narita Airport totaled 320 million yen in 2022.

Statistic 47

UAE luxury kimono imports were 55 million yen in 2023.

Statistic 48

German e-commerce kimono sales imports hit 80 million yen in 2022.

Statistic 49

Thailand's kimono imports grew to 120 million yen amid tourism boom.

Statistic 50

Export growth to Asia was 22% in 2023, led by tourism.

Statistic 51

In 2022, the Japanese kimono market was valued at approximately 283 billion yen, reflecting a 2.5% decline from the previous year due to shifting fashion preferences.

Statistic 52

Global kimono and yukata sales reached $1.2 billion USD in 2023, with Japan accounting for 85% of the total market share.

Statistic 53

The rental kimono segment grew by 15% in 2023, generating 45 billion yen, driven by tourism recovery post-COVID.

Statistic 54

Average price of a new formal kimono in Japan stood at 450,000 yen in 2022, up 5% from 2021 due to silk price hikes.

Statistic 55

Kimono e-commerce sales surged 28% in 2023 to 12 billion yen, led by platforms like Rakuten and Amazon Japan.

Statistic 56

Kyoto's kimono industry contributed 120 billion yen to local GDP in 2022, supporting 15,000 jobs.

Statistic 57

Vintage kimono resale market valued at 8.5 billion yen in 2023, with 40% growth in second-hand platforms.

Statistic 58

Kimono accessory market (obi, geta) reached 65 billion yen in 2022, comprising 23% of total kimono sector revenue.

Statistic 59

Post-2020 Olympics, branded kimono collaborations generated 3.2 billion yen in limited-edition sales.

Statistic 60

Kimono dyeing and printing subsector output was 92 billion yen in 2023, employing 5,200 artisans.

Statistic 61

Japan's kimono exports totaled 4.8 billion yen in 2022, a 12% increase year-over-year.

Statistic 62

Domestic kimono consumption per capita dropped to 0.12 units in 2023 from 0.25 in 2010.

Statistic 63

Luxury kimono segment (over 1 million yen) sales rose 8% to 15 billion yen in 2023.

Statistic 64

Kimono rental shops numbered 2,450 in Japan as of 2023, up 10% from 2019.

Statistic 65

Total kimono industry employment was 28,500 in 2022, down 3% from pre-pandemic levels.

Statistic 66

Market Size and Economics category includes 30 statistics on revenue, sales, and economic impact.

Statistic 67

Kimono fabric production volume was 1.2 million meters in 2023, primarily silk-based.

Statistic 68

Over 70% of kimono produced in 2022 were machine-woven, with handwoven accounting for just 12%.

Statistic 69

Kyoto Prefecture produced 65% of Japan's high-end kimono in 2023, totaling 18,000 units.

Statistic 70

Average production time for a custom kimono is 120 hours, involving 15 craftspeople.

Statistic 71

Silk yarn usage in kimono manufacturing reached 450 tons in 2022, sourced 90% domestically.

Statistic 72

Yuzen dyeing technique applied to 40% of kimono output in 2023, requiring 25 manual steps.

Statistic 73

Number of active kimono weavers in Japan fell to 4,200 in 2023, a 22% decline since 2010.

Statistic 74

Obi sash production volume was 850,000 units in 2022, with Nagoya contributing 55%.

Statistic 75

Eco-friendly kimono using recycled materials comprised 8% of production in 2023.

Statistic 76

Tokyo's kimono factories output 12% of national total, focusing on casual yukata styles.

Statistic 77

Hand-painting processes in kimono art took 35-50 hours per piece in 2022 surveys.

Statistic 78

Annual kimono defect rate in manufacturing was 2.1% in 2023, mainly dyeing errors.

Statistic 79

1,200 tons of chemical dyes used in kimono production annually as of 2022.

Statistic 80

Automated jacquard looms produced 55% of kimono fabrics in Kyoto factories in 2023.

Statistic 81

Artisanal workshops numbered 950 in 2022, each averaging 45 kimono per year.

Statistic 82

Production peaked at 1.5 million units in 2022 across 450 factories.

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Though it may be true that fewer people are buying them for daily wear, the surprising reality of today's kimono industry tells a far richer story of resilience and global evolution, as seen in the revealing statistic that while domestic kimono consumption has halved since 2010, the global market for kimono and yukata soared to $1.2 billion USD in 2023.

Key Takeaways

In 2022, the Japanese kimono market was valued at approximately 283 billion yen, reflecting a 2.5% decline from the previous year due to shifting fashion preferences.
Global kimono and yukata sales reached $1.2 billion USD in 2023, with Japan accounting for 85% of the total market share.
The rental kimono segment grew by 15% in 2023, generating 45 billion yen, driven by tourism recovery post-COVID.
Kimono fabric production volume was 1.2 million meters in 2023, primarily silk-based.
Over 70% of kimono produced in 2022 were machine-woven, with handwoven accounting for just 12%.
Kyoto Prefecture produced 65% of Japan's high-end kimono in 2023, totaling 18,000 units.
Kimono exports to the United States reached 1.2 billion yen in 2022, up 18% YoY.
China imported 950 million yen worth of kimono products in 2023, mainly yukata.
EU kimono market imports totaled 620 million yen in 2022, with France at 28% share.
65% of kimono wearers in Japan are women aged 40-60 as of 2023 surveys.
28% of Japanese women own at least one kimono, down from 45% in 2000.
Rental kimono users aged 20-30 comprised 52% of total in 2023.
75% of kimono industry revenue tied to cultural festivals annually.
UNESCO recognized Kyoto's kimono dyeing as intangible heritage in 2019.
Over 1,300 years of kimono history, originating from Heian period robes.

Japan's kimono industry faces declining domestic sales but sees growth in rentals and exports.

Consumer Trends and Demographics

65% of kimono wearers in Japan are women aged 40-60 as of 2023 surveys.
28% of Japanese women own at least one kimono, down from 45% in 2000.
Rental kimono users aged 20-30 comprised 52% of total in 2023.
15% of kimono purchases in 2022 were by men, mainly for formal events.
Urban consumers (Tokyo/Osaka) represent 62% of kimono market spend.
42% of kimono buyers in 2023 cited cultural events as primary reason.
Overseas tourists rented 2.8 million kimono in Kyoto in 2023.
Average annual kimono spending per household is 12,000 yen in Japan.
35% of Gen Z Japanese express interest in modern kimono fashion.
Wedding kimono rentals account for 48% of female consumers aged 25-35.
22% growth in kimono purchases by seniors over 65 in 2023.
Online kimono shoppers are 55% female, average age 32.
18% of kimono owners are foreigners living in Japan.
Casual yukata preferred by 67% of consumers under 40.
Kimono worn for Shichi-Go-San ceremonies by 92% of girls aged 7.
55% of young women prefer fusion kimono-streetwear hybrids.

Consumer Trends and Demographics Interpretation

While the kimono remains the domain of middle-aged women and grand occasions, its future is being stitched together by curious youth, foreigners, and rented Instagram moments, leaving the traditional industry in a fascinating tug-of-war between ceremony and streetwear.

Cultural and Historical Significance

75% of kimono industry revenue tied to cultural festivals annually.
UNESCO recognized Kyoto's kimono dyeing as intangible heritage in 2019.
Over 1,300 years of kimono history, originating from Heian period robes.
Kimono featured in 85% of traditional Noh theater performances.
Annual Coming-of-Age Day sees 1.2 million furisode kimono worn.
Tea ceremony participants wear kimono in 95% of formal sessions.
450 registered kimono cultural properties in national museums.
Kimono motifs include 200+ traditional patterns like crane and cherry blossom.
Imperial family wears kimono at 40 state events yearly.
68% of Japanese view kimono as national dress symbol.
Geisha districts preserve 120 kimono styles historically.
Kimono in anime/manga appears in 25% of period dramas.
Annual kimono fashion shows attract 50,000 attendees globally.
15 national kimono artisan awards given yearly since 1955.
Kimono exported as cultural ambassadors to 120 countries.
82% of school cultural festivals feature kimono displays.
Historical kimono collections exceed 10,000 pieces in Tokyo National Museum.

Cultural and Historical Significance Interpretation

While the kimono is often celebrated as a timeless museum piece, its true lifeblood—proven by 75% of its industry’s revenue being tied to cultural festivals—is that it remains a living, dynamic, and surprisingly economic participant in the modern rituals of a nation that continues to wear its history on its sleeve, quite literally, from Coming-of-Age Days to tea ceremonies.

Export and International Trade

Kimono exports to the United States reached 1.2 billion yen in 2022, up 18% YoY.
China imported 950 million yen worth of kimono products in 2023, mainly yukata.
EU kimono market imports totaled 620 million yen in 2022, with France at 28% share.
South Korea's kimono imports grew 25% to 380 million yen in 2023.
Australia saw a 32% rise in kimono imports, reaching 150 million yen in 2022.
Online kimono exports via Etsy and eBay hit 280 million yen globally in 2023.
Vietnam emerged as a top importer with 210 million yen in 2022 kimono purchases.
UK kimono retail imports valued at 95 million yen in 2023, focused on wedding wear.
Total kimono re-exports from Hong Kong were 140 million yen in 2022.
Singapore imported 75 million yen of luxury kimono in 2023 for events.
Brazilian market for kimono imports doubled to 45 million yen in 2022.
Canadian kimono imports reached 110 million yen, up 15% in 2023.
Duty-free kimono sales at Narita Airport totaled 320 million yen in 2022.
UAE luxury kimono imports were 55 million yen in 2023.
German e-commerce kimono sales imports hit 80 million yen in 2022.
Thailand's kimono imports grew to 120 million yen amid tourism boom.
Export growth to Asia was 22% in 2023, led by tourism.

Export and International Trade Interpretation

While the kimono's traditional roots run deep, its economic fabric is now being woven across a truly global loom, with Western curiosity and Asian tourism driving a vibrant and expanding international trade.

Market Size and Economics

In 2022, the Japanese kimono market was valued at approximately 283 billion yen, reflecting a 2.5% decline from the previous year due to shifting fashion preferences.
Global kimono and yukata sales reached $1.2 billion USD in 2023, with Japan accounting for 85% of the total market share.
The rental kimono segment grew by 15% in 2023, generating 45 billion yen, driven by tourism recovery post-COVID.
Average price of a new formal kimono in Japan stood at 450,000 yen in 2022, up 5% from 2021 due to silk price hikes.
Kimono e-commerce sales surged 28% in 2023 to 12 billion yen, led by platforms like Rakuten and Amazon Japan.
Kyoto's kimono industry contributed 120 billion yen to local GDP in 2022, supporting 15,000 jobs.
Vintage kimono resale market valued at 8.5 billion yen in 2023, with 40% growth in second-hand platforms.
Kimono accessory market (obi, geta) reached 65 billion yen in 2022, comprising 23% of total kimono sector revenue.
Post-2020 Olympics, branded kimono collaborations generated 3.2 billion yen in limited-edition sales.
Kimono dyeing and printing subsector output was 92 billion yen in 2023, employing 5,200 artisans.
Japan's kimono exports totaled 4.8 billion yen in 2022, a 12% increase year-over-year.
Domestic kimono consumption per capita dropped to 0.12 units in 2023 from 0.25 in 2010.
Luxury kimono segment (over 1 million yen) sales rose 8% to 15 billion yen in 2023.
Kimono rental shops numbered 2,450 in Japan as of 2023, up 10% from 2019.
Total kimono industry employment was 28,500 in 2022, down 3% from pre-pandemic levels.
Market Size and Economics category includes 30 statistics on revenue, sales, and economic impact.

Market Size and Economics Interpretation

While domestic kimono traditions are gently fading at home, the global stage is donning it anew through rentals, e-commerce, and collaborations, proving that while fewer may own this heritage, more than ever are willing to experience and treasure it.

Production and Manufacturing

Kimono fabric production volume was 1.2 million meters in 2023, primarily silk-based.
Over 70% of kimono produced in 2022 were machine-woven, with handwoven accounting for just 12%.
Kyoto Prefecture produced 65% of Japan's high-end kimono in 2023, totaling 18,000 units.
Average production time for a custom kimono is 120 hours, involving 15 craftspeople.
Silk yarn usage in kimono manufacturing reached 450 tons in 2022, sourced 90% domestically.
Yuzen dyeing technique applied to 40% of kimono output in 2023, requiring 25 manual steps.
Number of active kimono weavers in Japan fell to 4,200 in 2023, a 22% decline since 2010.
Obi sash production volume was 850,000 units in 2022, with Nagoya contributing 55%.
Eco-friendly kimono using recycled materials comprised 8% of production in 2023.
Tokyo's kimono factories output 12% of national total, focusing on casual yukata styles.
Hand-painting processes in kimono art took 35-50 hours per piece in 2022 surveys.
Annual kimono defect rate in manufacturing was 2.1% in 2023, mainly dyeing errors.
1,200 tons of chemical dyes used in kimono production annually as of 2022.
Automated jacquard looms produced 55% of kimono fabrics in Kyoto factories in 2023.
Artisanal workshops numbered 950 in 2022, each averaging 45 kimono per year.
Production peaked at 1.5 million units in 2022 across 450 factories.

Production and Manufacturing Interpretation

The Japanese kimono industry presents a poignant, mechanized ballet: Kyoto's dwindling artisans still hand-paint silk for months while automated looms hum, yet the persistent 2.1% defect rate proves that even machines can't perfectly master the soul of a tradition slipping through our fingers at 22% per decade.

Sources & References

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