Decorative masking tape is said to have originated in Kurashiki.
In particular, masking tape manufactured by KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. is widely known by the name “mt.”
The “mt ex Exhibition” is an event that invites people to enjoy masking tape, originally used for industrial purposes, as art that brings spaces to life.
Every year, mt events are held at several locations across Japan. Since they began, they have been held at more than 180 locations.
Here we introduce “mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025,” held at Aibi Red Brick Hall inside Kurashiki Ivy Square from Thursday, March 27, 2025.
The information provided was current when this article was published in April 2025. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is the mt ex Exhibition?
The mt ex Exhibition is not just about selling products; it is an event that decorates its venue using the technique of “installation,” expressing spaces and places as works of art.
A distinctive feature of the mt ex Exhibition is that it invites artists to decorate with masking tape, and also displays and sells masking tape exclusive to the event venue.
About mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025
In Kurashiki, mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025 is being held at Aibi Red Brick Hall inside Kurashiki Ivy Square.
Collaborating artists
The mt ex Exhibition in Kurashiki has collaborated with international artists for three consecutive years.
- 2023: An installation by Emmanuelle Moureaux featuring 100 colors of masking tape hanging down
- 2024: Three-dimensional works made using masking tape by Atau, an artist active mainly in Berlin, Germany
- 2025: An installation by Pip & Pop, based in Australia
Pip & Pop is an artist who creates works using sugar, pigments, and other materials.
This time, they use colorful masking tape to express a vibrant world of color.
The venue
I visited this mt ex Exhibition on a weekday, and the venue was bustling with visitors.
A vivid exterior
As soon as you enter the grounds of Aibi Red Brick Hall, you are greeted by vivid, colorful art.
Even the colorful path leading to the venue is made entirely of masking tape.
The artwork displayed farther inside is even more striking up close, and visitors were enjoying taking photos of it.
Posters lining the walls
The first thing that catches your eye when you enter the venue is the row of posters covering the walls.
Since mt was launched in 2008, posters from events held over the years have lined the walls.
The designs of the posters on the walls are based on masking tape that was sold at the venues where the events were held.
Particularly popular designs have been reissued and are sold as catalog products.
The venue also features art made from collages of past posters.
Pip & Pop’s installation
Farther inside the venue is a room featuring an installation by Pip & Pop.
Made in the shape of paper, it is a beautiful and charming space that takes your breath away.
Since everything will be removed when the event ends, it is a work that can only be seen at the venue during the event.
A variety of masking tape designs, including venue-exclusive items
One of the most popular products at mt events is masking tape sold exclusively at the venue.
Making its debut this time is “Japan tape,” designed around the theme of Japan.
Kurashiki’s Bikan Historical Area, where the venue is located, attracts many visitors from overseas.
Japan tape is masking tape that introduces Japanese culture, including kabuki and ukiyo-e, to visitors from abroad.
There is also masking tape designed by Pip & Pop.
Using designs familiar to mt fans, such as dots and stripes, while combining colors never used before, it expresses a distinctive world of its own.
Some of the products on sale include masking tape for decorating vinyl umbrellas.
This masking tape is made from a type of Japanese paper called ganshin paper.
Regular masking tape is printed on white paper, so it looks a little whitish when viewed from the back.
Ganshin paper is dyed throughout, so its colors look beautiful from both sides.
Interview with a staff member
We interviewed Ogino Sana, who is in charge of public relations at KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
What was the thinking behind planning mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025?
Ogino (name suffix omitted)
The mt ex Exhibition is an event where visitors can experience the future potential of masking tape through displays of spaces decorated with masking tape and works of art.
We previously collaborated with the artist we invited this time, Pip & Pop, at the 2014 mt factory tour.
For mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025, we invited Pip & Pop to create an installation once again, as a way of looking back on past mt events.
How has the event been received in the past?
Ogino
One of the activities, “mt choice Tapioca Pack,” lets visitors put their favorite masking tape into a tapioca drink cup.
The selection of masking tapes changes daily, so visitors can enjoy coming back again and again.
Our regular customers tell us, “We’ll be back again tomorrow,” so we can tell they’re enjoying themselves.
What are the highlights of this mt ex exhibition?
Ogino
First, I’d like visitors to see the striking decorations outside the venue.
I’d also be delighted if visitors would take a close look at the posters displayed inside the venue and the vibrant space created by Pip & Pop, and experience the world of masking tape and its journey to the present day.
How do you recommend enjoying the exhibition?
Ogino
Masking tape is an analog product, so I think you can appreciate the fun and feel of it by using it yourself.
On the second floor of the venue, in addition to a workshop where you can decorate a vinyl umbrella with Ganshin stickers, we’re also holding a free workshop that children can take part in, so please come and join us.
At the same time, mt factory tour vol.14 is also being held at the head office factory of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
Many mt fans visit both the mt ex exhibition and the mt factory tour.
We’d be delighted if you enjoyed the different atmosphere at each venue and made the most of a day filled with masking tape.
Finally, do you have a message for our readers?
Ogino
We’d love for stationery fans to come visit the venue.
And even if you’re wondering, “What is masking tape?”, I think you’ll discover its appeal when you visit the venue.
You’re more than welcome to simply view the exhibition or enjoy a workshop.
We’d be delighted if you took this opportunity to come by.
From the Writer
Visitors of all ages came to the venue, and I could see how much masking tape is enjoyed by so many people.
The exhibition features thoughtful touches and activities that make it enjoyable even for first-time visitors, and it’s easy to see why mt is so beloved by its fans.
I had always thought of masking tape mainly as stationery, but I was overwhelmed by the colorful space decorated with it as an art form.
Be sure to visit the venue and discover the appeal of masking tape for yourself.
Articles about KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025 Information
| Name | mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025 |
|---|---|
| Dates | Thursday, March 27–Tuesday, April 29, 2025 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
| Location | 7-2 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture (inside Kurashiki Ivy Square) Aibi Red Brick Hall |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025 |
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