A noren is a simple split curtain fashioned from cloth, originally hung from the main entrance of a residence. Noren have graced Japanese homes and businesses since early in the Heian period (784 - 1185). The noren essentially kept out sunlight and dust.

Shiokawa-machi has a proud tradition of displaying colourful and unique noren outside the majority of establishments in the town's main shopping street, including the local convenience store and post office. This street scene, known as noren no machi, is now only seen in its full splendour on special occasions such as town festivals and days of religious significance.

So what distinguishes Shiokawa noren from its counterparts? Whereas most are simply hung from a doorway, the noren on display in this town are large swatches of material with eye-catching designs displayed in front of the establishment.

The merchant's name and trade, or sometimes the yago, or shop's name would be displayed in white, and the fact that the noren was hung outside at all would indicate to any passing pedestrian that this particular tradesman was open for business. The noren became such an integral part of Japanese merchant life and culture, that when a subordinate or apprentice opened their own place of trade, it was considered a high honour to be able to use their master's noren. Thereby the good reputation of the experienced superior would perculate down to the young pretenders, ensuring a modicum of trade through association.

The noren enjoyed extensive use until the Taisho period (1912-26). This era of modernisation following a western pattern saw traditional businesses alter their appearances to reflect the trend away fromJapanese architecture, which spelled a decline in the use of the noren. The noren has survived in the Japanese restaurant industry, as many eateries still display colourful noren to this day.

Noren made of hanging strands of twisted rope (nawa noren) are particular to cheaper drinking establishments, and noren have found popular use in private homes as space dividers or decorations.