It's out with the old as a difficult year comes to a close.

When the global health crisis struck earlier this year, the Japanese government urged its citizens to tidy up their homes as a way to pass the time, even recruiting minimalist guru Marie Condo for the campaign.

For 71 year old Obama, that means getting rid of stacks of vibrant kimonos.

They were gifts from her parents, but she aims to sell as many as she can.

E spent a lot of time at home this year because of the coronavirus, so I decided to organize my house, including getting rid of things I don't need.

The de cluttering wave has been a boon for Japan's second hand market, and companies like buy sell.

It sends out representatives to collect goods from people's homes, then it resells them online or at auctions.

The company said their home visits are way up this year, and sales have surged around 35%.

Most sellers air in their fifties or older, looking to clear out used kimonos, but also luxury handbags and jewelry, even old stamp collections by cells.

CEO Kyohei Iwata said people are looking for more than just making a buck on their old items.

You don't know there's determined Japanese Don Shari, which means minimize your life.

People's mindsets have changed that way.

They're coming to us because our service is very useful for people who want to clean up their homes.

In the end, Mitsuko Ibama parted with 22 of her vintage kimonos for only about $40.

But money, she said, wasn't the goal.

E thought it was a waste to leave.

My kimono is hanging in the closet, so I'd be happy if someone younger could wear them, a sentiment that would surely make Marie condo proud.