Matsuzakaya Ueno Store Renews Its Noren Curtains, Made by an Indigo-Dyeing Workshop in Kuramae

Matsuzakaya Ueno has renewed the noren curtains displayed at its 1st-floor North Entrance arcade, starting Wednesday, October 7, 2026. Matsuzakaya has walked alongside the town of Ueno since it expanded into Edo in 1768 (Meiwa 5), and for a store with roots in the kimono trade, the noren is an important symbol of its history and tradition.

The Store's "Face," Dyed by a Kuramae Artisan

These noren are not a simple replacement. They were created as an effort to carry the power of local craftsmanship into the future. The dyeing was done by Mite Design Works, a workshop in Kuramae, Taito-ku, that practices traditional plant dyeing. In the town of Edo, indigo-dyed noren, which combine durability and beauty, were widely used, and dyeing techniques developed as a result. Taito-ku still carries on a diverse culture of craftsmanship, including dyeing, leather goods, and traditional crafts.

The Store Manager Tries Indigo Dyeing

For the production, Mr. Yamazaki, the manager of Matsuzakaya Ueno, visited the workshop and tried indigo dyeing. He experienced the process of dipping cloth in the indigo dye and learned that the deep color is created by dyeing the cloth over and over again. It was an opportunity to appreciate anew the techniques handed down from our predecessors, the gifts of nature, and the value of the artisans' handwork.

As a department store rooted in the community, Matsuzakaya Ueno intends to continue sharing the appeal of traditional techniques and craftsmanship culture.