On September 1, an online shopping site for "Kyo-Yuzen" kimono called "Kyoto Kimono Outlet Mall" was opened under the supervision of "Kyoto Kogei Sensho Kyodo Kumiai," a cooperative association for textile-dyeing artists made up of hand-painted Yuzen production companies and others, in Nakagyo Ward, Kyoto. It has a function where customers can try on kimono on the internet by combining their own face with kimono pictures, and sells various types of kimono, including semi-formal kimono called "Homongi," at reasonable prices.

This association is in charge of its supervision, and offers kimonos and other items to be sold on the site. A management and operating company, which was set up for this site, sells products directly to customers.

Approximately 100 kimonos, with "Homongi" costing between 200,000 and 450,000 yen as its main product and including "Furisode," or a long-sleeved kimono, "Kuro Tomesode," or a married woman's formal kimono with the family crest on a black background, are available on the site. There is also a selection of kimono accessories such as "Obi," or a belt for kimono, "Obi-age," or an obi support sash, "Obi-jime," or a cord to hold an obi, and other items.

When customers select a kimono they like, a model wearing that kimono is shown. Additionally, if customers send a head shot to the site, they can see different kimonos shown with their own face.

Moreover, if they want to check the actual merchandise, they can see and purchase it at the Kyoto kimono branch shop "Shiroi Karasu" in Tokyo after advance reservation. They are also planning to establish other locations in Kyoto where customers can touch the products freely.

Junichiro Ichikawa, the vice-director of "Kyoto Kogei Sensho Kyodo Kumiai," said, "We fairly offer products at reasonable prices because our Website is organized by members who are manufacturers. We would like a lot of people to get to know the high quality of hand-painted "Kyo-Yuzen" in order to stimulate the industry."