[Kappabashi]

Hello all

I'm hope this won't be considered to be an all too stupid question. I've been on holiday to Japan several times and just spent a Sunday afternoon in Harajuku for the first time, it was very entertaining. Some of the girls in costume had a strip of cloth covering their nose. I tried to find the answer with Google, but to no avail. What does this strip of cloth signify? Does it come from a manga character (my best guess)?

thanks

Kappa