Laotian textiles gain spotlight in Kyoto

KYOTO, Japan - A staffer at Kyoto kimono wholesaler Omiya Co. shows obi sashes for kimono on Sept. 21, 2012, made of hand-woven textiles by Laotian women. The obis are the products of efforts to breathe new air into Japan's diminishing kimono market and hoped also to offer earning opportunities for the weavers.