In order to bring new value to Noren, Nakamura links traditional industries and users and continues to transmit its charm. On this piece of fabric, we can appreciate all the spirituality of the Japanese style.

A “boundary” that allows you to come and go freely, without blocking the space. This sublime “pause” expresses a certain vision rooted in the Japanese culture.

Noren is widely used, even nowadays, in a time when electronic signs are widespread. As soon as you enter the store, you can feel its spirit and all the symbolism of Japan, which is also an asset. Why is Noren still so popular in Japan? It is important to know that it represents a “delimitation” not found in Western culture. In-stead of completely separating the inside from the outside, a fabric is used to create a soft division. There is a slight feeling of distance. In spite of this, nature and proximity remain. Here you can observe the richness of the Japanese culture in its relationship with nature. You can also see this as a “pause” or “interruption” in the quest for respect for the existence of others. “An object embodies multiple meanings”: this corresponds perfectly to the Japanese culture and constitutes the charm of Noren. It’s a culturally rooted world view and that’s what makes Noren so interesting.

Noren has the same texture as fabric, but its appearance changes completely when it is dyed or painted.

Nakamura’s innovations include products with different patterns on the front and back as well as leather Noren.

In the exhibition called “EDO TOKYO RETHINK”, Noren will delineate and link the various collections. It creates a sense of unity while highlighting each unique traditional industry. You will be able to appreciate the role of Noren. This exceptional concept of distance, neither too little nor too much, reveals the uniqueness of the nature of the Japanese people, and the more you discover it, the more you will be attracted by the deepness of the Japanese culture. I hope you will appreciate the Japanese spirit of this object and its function as you pass through it.

The sunlight is soft and clear. Noren have the particularity of not being an opaque limit. The future of Nakamura, which promotes the importance of Noren in the world, is drawing attention.

I would like to emphasize the value of Noren as a ” communication tool ” and promote it worldwide as being the “gateway to Japan”.

Nakamura has been supplying kimonos and fabrics to Kanda and Tokyo since its establishment in 1923. This company has enabled the coordination of many craftsmen. In recent years, it has brought together a variety of crafts, ranging from traditional techniques such as indigo dyeing to modern techniques using technology, and has designed and produced a variety of Noren. It takes on many challenges to spread the virtue and strength of Noren. “I am working on two main things. One is to redefine “Noren” and get people to reconsider its value. The other is to provide a variety of Noren by using the know-how of craftsmen of different specialties. It is a place where people can bring many of their own techniques, which will expand the offering of Noren and the work of artisans themselves. I think we’ll be able to ensure that when people look at it, they say, “This is Japan!”. I think we can still do much more, which is why we want to combine the skills of craftsmen and spread Japanese Noren all over the world.”. You can simply walk through a Noren without thinking about it, or you can realize and reflect on the cultural significance of the object. Your feeling can be very different. This is a piece of the Japanese culture that has been handed down over the years. This is what Noren conveys to me.

Photo by Satomi Yamauchi