The Noren of Katsuyama

Not much happens in Katsuyama. It is one of those places that has a few stores on the street and you wonder how on earth people here make a living. Located in Maniwa in Northern Okayama, the Main Street still retains an Edo like architecture, with white plastered storehouses, lattice windows and merchant homes.

One thing that brings this small town to life though, are the noren hanging out the front of many buildings and that is all due to one lady -