KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. manufactures masking tape “mt (MT)”. mt was born in 2008 and 20 colors were released. Used not only for stationery but also for industrial purposes, mt continues to attract many fans even today.
The author loves art and literature, and enjoys walking around the town of Kurashiki, where one can feel the art.
In the midst of this, I found the “mt ex Exhibition”. Since masking tape had a strong image as stationery, I was very curious about what kind of event it would be.
So, I went to the “mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL” held at the Aimi Red Brick Hall West Building.
One of the highlights is the tape art by Atau, who creates and exhibits tape art around the world. I will introduce the event.
Overwhelmed by Atau's "Tape Art" that Colors the Venue's Exterior
The event “mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL” is organized by KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. It was held from October 3 to 30, 2024, at the Aimi Red Brick Hall West Building. The entrance of the venue is decorated with Atau's masking tape art.
Atau is a tape artist based in Berlin. With the concept of “Reconstructing Space”, he creates new spatial experiences.
What I intuitively felt when seeing the works was the sea, sky, and earth.
The curves drawn in blue and black resemble clouds, while the curves in white and blue look like the sky. The red, orange, and yellow curves stretching in between evoke the sun and sunlight.
At the same time, I felt strength, vitality, and passion, and was overwhelmed!
Tape Art of Momotaro Welcomes You: The Scene of mt ex IVY RED BRICK HALL
When I visited, it was a weekday, but there were many people. It was bustling with people taking photos in front of Atau's art.
As I proceeded into the venue, there was a section lined with masking tape for sale.
There were various types of masking tape, including those rolled on a single core and those wrapped in traditional packaging.
A wide variety of masking tapes were lined up. There were so many types that I was at a loss for a long time.
Additionally, in the “mt choice tapioca cup,” you can fill a cup with your favorite masking tapes. About 9 to 10 masking tapes can fit in one cup. The price is 1,100 yen (including tax), and the lid must close tightly.
A New Sensation: Masking Tape Gachapon
What I found interesting was the mt gachapon.
There were two machines for 300 yen and one for 100 yen. For the 300 yen gachapon, you give 300 yen to the staff at the reception and receive a coin. One of the machines was a hair tie gachapon.
In addition to the gachapon, there was also mt grab-and-go (500 yen per attempt). For the grab-and-go, you have to take the items out of the box within 20 seconds after putting your hand in.
I tried the 100 yen gachapon.
A masking tape came out in a capsule.
It has an illustration of a shirt collar. It has a unique pattern, which is interesting.
You Can Also Get Old Tapes at a Bargain
I purchased a set of three “mt KIOSK -B-”. These are limited tapes from 2022, originally priced at 840 yen, but I was able to buy them for just 330 yen (including tax).
This “mt KIOSK” had various combinations of mt for sale.
You will receive a novelty item for every 1,000 yen spent on eligible products at the venue. The novelty item is a reproduction of the industrial masking tape released in 1962, which is the root of mt.
Visitor-created masking tape art can be seen
When you climb the stairs to the second floor, you will find walls adorned with masking tape.
Below the wall, there are many rolls of masking tape available for visitors to freely stick on.
The ability for visitors to participate in the art as creators is unique to this event. Many families and school trip students were present, adding color to the walls of the venue.
In particular, the experience of actually touching and sticking the tape, as well as the freedom for visitors to apply it, felt very wonderful.
For children, it also allows them to feel a closer connection to masking tape.
Additionally, on the second floor, there was a workshop where you could make badges and tote bags.
If you speak to the staff at the register, you can make one for 300 yen (tax included).
Additionally, there were booths for making original tote bags and paper balloons.
In conclusion
This was my first time participating in the mt ex exhibition, and seeing the tape art in person was overwhelming beyond my imagination.
Moreover, there were many features within the venue for visitors to enjoy.
I, too, have been drawn to the charm of mt because of this event. I feel inspired to research more about tape art.
Before participating in the event, I had no knowledge of tape art at all.
The mt ex exhibition is said to be very popular every year. It was a day where I understood why so many people cherish it.
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mt ex at Aimi Red Brick Hall Data
| Name | mt ex at Aimi Red Brick Hall |
|---|---|
| Date | October 3, 2024 (Thursday) to October 30, 2024 (Wednesday) 10:00 AM to 5:30 PM Tote bag making: October 5, 2024 (Saturday) to October 15, 2024 (Tuesday), October 17, 2024 (Thursday) to October 27, 2024 (Sunday) |
| Location | 7-1 Honmachi, Kurashiki City (inside Kurashiki Ivy Square) |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free admission |
| Homepage | mt ex at Aimi Red Brick Hall Event |
