Receiving a kimono

Hi
When I was in Japan last year my friend told me she wanted to give me her kimono. She knows I love them and I have a few bought second hand.
Now I am in Japan again she has invited me to her house and I've been told that she is going to gift me her kimono.
A bit of background, I am only really getting to know her but have known her husband for many years. We get along really well though. She's told me that the kimono is her favourite colour but she is too old to wear it now. She doesn't have any children to give it to but I don't know about other family members.
I am very honoured that she wants me to have it.
Please help me understand my friend and the gesture. Is it a big deal to receive a kimono or is this a normal thing to do in Japan?

Many thanks

I am a Japanese male...but, here is my opinion...
It would be good that you should be simply grateful to accept her offer.
It seems to be nothing but a pure act of sincere friendship.
Normally, a kimono is not a piece of art, even if it is beautiful and even how high the price was on puchasing it. Used ones cannot be normally objects of buying and selling. Even if sold, it would be at a very low price, 1,000 yen for example.
The best way to respect a kimono therefore is to give it to someone who loves kimonos and is pleased to wear it and to keep it with care.

I generally agree with the other poster. It is a big deal and yet it is normal.

Not many people wear kimono these days, and even if they do they tend to wear new and washable polyester ones. Used silk kimono isn't that popular.

It is possible to sell your used kimono, but shops only pay you a small amount for it. Traditionally, kimono were handed down to daughters and granddaughters or nieces, but like I said, not many girls today appreciate that. So it would be great if someone who could cherish the kimono and actually wear it accept it.

The best thing you could do is to accept it, wear it, and maybe send a photo of yourself wearing it. You can also go to a gofukuya (kimono shop) to have the kimono inspected. The gofukuya can give you advise on how you can take care of it, and they also may be able to give you advise on what the value of that kimono is which might help you consider about gifts in return. By the way, when I want to know more about kimono that were handed down to me, I ask for second and third opinions at various gofukuya.

Precious things take so much room in the closet for nothng, so it would be ideal if the owner can give it away in the best way possible.