Masking tape manufactured by KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. “mt” was launched in 2008, with 20 colors released. Used not only for stationery but also for industrial purposes, mt continues to captivate many fans to this day.
I enjoy art and literature, and one of my hobbies is walking around Kurashiki, a city where you can feel the presence of art.
It was during one of these walks that I came across the “mt ex Exhibition.” I had always associated masking tape with stationery, so I was very curious about what kind of event it would be.
So I went to “mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL,” held at the west building of Aibi Red Brick Hall.
A highlight is the tape art by Atau, who creates and exhibits tape art around the world. Here’s a look at the event.
The information presented was current when this article was published in November 2024. Please note that it may differ from current information.
Impressed by Atau’s “tape art” adorning the venue’s exterior
“mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL” is hosted by KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. It was held at the west building of Aibi Red Brick Hall from October 3 to 30, 2024. The venue’s entrance is decorated with masking tape art by Atau.
Atau is a tape artist based in Berlin. With “reconstructing space” as his concept, he creates new spatial experiences.
My immediate impression of the work was of the sea, sky, and earth.
The curves in blue and black look like clouds, while those in white and blue look like the sky. The red, orange, and yellow curves stretching between them evoke the sun and sunlight.
At the same time, I felt its strength, vitality, and passion, and was simply overwhelmed!
Welcomed by Momotaro tape art: A look at mt ex IVY RED BRICK HALL
Although I visited on a weekday, there were lots of people. The area was bustling with people taking photos in front of Atau’s art.
As you continue into the venue, you’ll find rows of masking tape for sale.
There were all kinds of masking tape, including rolls wound around a single core and ones wrapped in traditional packaging.
There were rows and rows of masking tape in so many varieties. There were so many to choose from that I couldn’t decide.
You can also fill a cup with your choice of masking tape and buy it through the “mt choice Tapioca Cup.” Each cup holds about 9–10 rolls of masking tape. It costs 1,100 yen (tax included), and the lid must close securely.
A new experience: masking tape gachapon
What I found interesting was the mt gachapon.
There were two machines that cost 300 yen per turn and one that cost 100 yen. For the 300-yen gachapon, you give 300 yen to the staff member at the reception desk and receive a coin. One of those machines was a hair-tie gachapon.
In addition to the gachapon, there was also an mt grab bag (500 yen per try). You have to pull your hand out of the box within 20 seconds of putting it in.
I tried the 100-yen gachapon.
A capsule containing masking tape came out.
It has an illustration of a shirt collar. It’s an unusual pattern and quite fun.
Sometimes you can get older tapes at a bargain
I bought “mt KIOSK -B-,” a set of three. These are limited-edition tapes from 2022, and I got them for just 330 yen (tax included), instead of the original price of 840 yen.
The “mt KIOSK” was also available in various other combinations of mt.
Receive a free gift for every ¥1,000 spent on eligible items at the venue. The gift is a reproduction of the industrial masking tape first released in 1962, which is also part of mt’s roots.
You can also see tape art created by visitors
Climb the stairs at the venue to the second floor, and you’ll find walls covered in masking tape.
There are lots of masking tapes beneath the wall, and visitors are free to stick them on.
Being able to take part in the art as a creator is something unique to this event. Many parents and children, as well as students on school trips, visited and decorated the venue’s walls.
I especially thought it was wonderful that visitors could experience touching and sticking on the tape themselves, and that they were free to stick it wherever they liked.
It also helps children feel even more familiar with masking tape.
There was also a workshop on the second floor where you could make button badges and tote bags.
Ask a staff member at the register, and you can make one for ¥300 (tax included).
There were also booths where you could make original tote bags and paper balloons.
From the Writer
It was my first time attending the mt ex exhibition, and seeing the tape art in person was even more impressive than I had imagined.
And there were plenty of fun activities for visitors to enjoy throughout the venue.
This event also sparked my interest in mt. It made me want to take this opportunity to learn more about tape art.
Before attending the event, I knew absolutely nothing about tape art.
The mt ex exhibition is said to be popular every year. It was a day that helped me understand why so many people love it.
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mt ex at Aibi Red Brick Hall Information
| Name | mt ex at Aibi Red Brick Hall |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 3 (Thursday)–October 30 (Wednesday), 2024, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. Tote bag making: October 5 (Saturday)–15 (Tuesday), 2024, and October 17 (Thursday)–27 (Sunday) |
| Location | 7-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City (inside Kurashiki Ivy Square) |
| Admission (tax included) | Free admission |
| Website | mt ex at Aibi Red Brick Hall Event |
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