In Kurashiki, masking tape has become a standard souvenir.
In the Bikan Historical Area, there are specialty stores for masking tape, and event prizes often include masking tape, making it a familiar item.
In fact, colorful masking tape for stationery and miscellaneous goods was first created around 2008.
The company that developed this masking tape is KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
KAMOI KAKOSHI holds a factory tour at their headquarters once a year, inviting customers for hospitality.
We will introduce why KAMOI KAKOSHI started making masking tape for stationery and began factory tours, along with the details of the factory tour.
What is mt?
mt is an abbreviation for "masking tape," and it is the brand name of the masking tape created by KAMOI KAKOSHI.
Colorful and design-rich masking tape for stationery and miscellaneous goods can be easily torn and applied, and can be removed quickly, making it very popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
With KAMOI KAKOSHI producing "mt" for the first time in 2008, masking tape has come to be known as originating from Kurashiki.
What is the mt factory tour?
The factory tour (mt factory tour), which started in 2012, is a tour that allows visitors to enjoy a special visit to KAMOI KAKOSHI's factory once a year.
This year marks the 12th time.
Although there were delays due to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, the event has continued to be held every year without interruption.
To participate in the factory tour, one must apply online and can only attend if selected in a lottery.
I apply every year, and fortunately, I was selected this time, so I went on the factory tour with three friends.
Participating in mt factory tour vol.12
The "mt factory tour vol.12" is held once a year for a limited period of two weeks.
What kind of events and tours can be experienced inside the factory?
Let's take a look right away.
Boarding the bus
The "mt" factory tour begins with boarding a free shuttle bus from KAMOI Parking in front of JR Kurashiki Station.
The shuttle bus is also decorated with masking tape, which catches the eye.
Some may have seen the colorful decorated bus running on the road.
The bus decorations are said to be changed every year for the tour.
There are three types of buses decorated with masking tape patterns in white, yellow, and blue.
While you cannot choose the bus color, it seems you may ride a different colored bus for the outbound and return trips.
The bus ride takes about 20 minutes, during which a DVD of the mt factory tour aired on television in 2022 plays, building anticipation.
Arriving at the factory
Upon arriving at the factory, the employees greet everyone with smiles and hand out novelty goods to each person.
The novelty goods are given for free to those who win the lottery for the factory tour and actually visit.
It seems there are people who apply every year just to get these novelty goods.
In 2023, which marks the 100th anniversary of KAMOI KAKOSHI, there were many goods and exclusive items included.
The bag made of sturdy fabric is said to have a different design each year.
The cute patterns of "mt" raise the excitement.
How "mt" was created
First, I was guided through the second factory where "mt" is produced, which is usually not open to the public.
Pepper welcomes the customers.
An employee of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. carefully explains the process of making "mt" in front of the machines.
Photography is generally prohibited inside the factory. This time, we have received special permission to take photos.
The factory is spacious and bright, with "mt" stickers everywhere on the machines, making you stop in your tracks at the cute designs.
Watching the small and cute "mt" being produced is refreshing and endearing.
Moving to the 3rd Mixing Factory (Documentation Room)
Next, we moved to the documentation room where you can learn about the history of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
It is said that the factory that used to actually produce ribbon flypaper has been preserved as is and turned into a documentation room.
Ribbon flypaper is a sticky tape designed in a ribbon shape, used for catching flies and pests by hanging it from high places like ceilings.
On the first floor, there are cars and bicycles decorated with "mt," and you can actually ride them and take photos.
As you go further in, you will find works that were awarded in the "5th mt Art Contest" held since 2019 on display.
All the works are created using "mt," and they were all unique and wonderful pieces.
On the second floor, there are displays of products and posters that tell the history of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
You can learn about the 100-year history from the flypaper to "mt."
mt Shop
The next facility is the mt Shop.
Half of the facility is used to display panels of the historical designs of "mt" in chronological order.
You will be overwhelmed by the countless designs.
It is said that the number of designs created so far exceeds 10,000.
In the adjacent sales booth, a "100 Yen for 100 Years" event was being held to celebrate the 100th anniversary of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
Everything, regardless of design or pattern, is just 100 yen!
It seems to be while supplies last, and some items are already sold out.
The author also forgot about the interview and was engrossed in searching for their favorite tape.
In another corner, products sold in 2023 and factory-limited "mt" items are available at regular prices.
They are introduced in a ranking format, making it easy to see popular products at a glance.
The author also ended up purchasing the number one item in the sales ranking.
mt CASA Shop
At the farthest facility, various masking tapes other than stationery were on sale.
Fluffy masking tapes that can be used for kitchen mats and toilet mats are also available.
The surrounding walls are decorated with "mt," creating a wonderful space that does not feel like a factory, including rooms designed to resemble a home.
Festival & Outlet Corner
The exploration continues.
Here, there were booths full of playful attractions reminiscent of a traditional festival, such as gacha gacha (capsule toy vending machines), grab bags, and string lottery.
If you spend over 1,000 yen, you can draw a lucky lottery ticket, and some of the gacha gacha contain winning tickets, making it full of intriguing surprises.
Haitori Kiln
And now, the ribbon Haitori kiln, which is being publicly shown for the first time in 2023.
Although it is no longer in use, this kiln made of bricks was once used to boil adhesive.
According to a retired employee who worked there at the time, one person used to produce 2,000 pieces of ribbon Haitori paper every day with a special machine.
This place feels like a nostalgic space where time has slipped back.
Open Employee Cafeteria
Usually, the place used as an employee cafeteria is open as a break room.
Udon from Kurashiki Udon Bukkake Furuichi and coffee shop BESSO COFFEE are set up, and many people were using it.
In the back, workshops are also being held, which seem enjoyable not only for children but also for adults.
In addition, there were photogenic spots where you could take pictures, and cute life-sized figurines were placed around, making the factory tour feel just like a theme park, providing a very satisfying experience.
The mt factory tour is extremely popular every year, with a waiting list for cancellations.
I spoke with KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. President KAMOI Takashi and Consumer Division Manager Takatsuka Shin about this event.
Data for mt factory tour vol.12
| Name | mt factory tour vol.12 |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6, 2023 - September 20, 2023 |
| Location | 236 Katashima, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free, but only those selected by lottery after applying can attend. |
| Website | mt masking tape |
