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The town became a famous tourist destination beginning in [[1892]], when [[railroad]]s were first extended to Shiraoi, but the vast majority of residents continued to make their livings through agriculture or marine activities. In the 1950s, the Daishowa Paper Manufacturing Company established a factory in Shiraoi, shifting the economy of the town.

The town became a famous tourist destination beginning in [[1892]], when [[railroad]]s were first extended to Shiraoi, but the vast majority of residents continued to make their livings through agriculture or marine activities. In the 1950s, the Daishowa Paper Manufacturing Company established a factory in Shiraoi, shifting the economy of the town.

An Ainu cultural museum known as Poroto Kotan, opened there in 1984, is run by members of the Ainu community, and allows them to engage in researching, performing, and teaching about Ainu history and Ainu culture themselves.

An Ainu cultural museum known as Poroto Kotan, opened there in 1984, was run by members of the Ainu community, and served as a site for Ainu individuals to engage in researching, performing, and teaching about Ainu history and Ainu culture themselves. This museum was later superseded by Upopoy, the National Ainu Museum, which opened in 2020 and which operates in a similar fashion, with extensive Ainu involvement.

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