Interview
Every year, many mt fans visit the mt factory tour from all over the country.
What motivated the start of the factory tours?
We spoke with KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. President Kamoi Takashi and Consumer Division Manager Takatsuka Shin.
The Background of "mt"
Why did a company that was making high-tack paper decide to produce masking tape for stationery and miscellaneous goods?
Kamoi
About 16 or 17 years ago, we received a letter from a trio of women in Tokyo, which was the catalyst.
They requested, "Please make colorful masking tape."
At that time, there were eight domestic tape manufacturers, and the women proposed to all of them, but they were turned down, and only our company accepted.
We first created 20 colors of masking tape, and "mt" was born.
That's quite a story. I imagine it must have been challenging to venture into a completely unrelated field. What made you decide to accept the proposal?
Kamoi
The background of high-tack paper also started from a customer's request to create it because there were many flies and it was unsanitary.
During the mica boom, we produced tape necessary for car painting.
When the transport boxes changed from wooden boxes to cardboard, it became essential to switch from nails to duct tape for packaging, and we manufactured it.
We think about what society needs at that time and how we can solve it with our adhesive technology, whether it be a product, service, information, or technology, and we operate with the style of solving those needs.
Therefore, regarding "mt," we also received requests from customers and solved their wishes with our adhesive technology.
I see. So, was the start of the mt factory tours also a request from customers?
Takatsuka
One of the triggers was the customers' request to "see where masking tape is made."
Additionally, we have a lot of historical materials related to KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD., and we thought it would be great to create a place for everyone to see them.
Application for Factory Tour
How many applications do you receive for the factory tours, and how many people visit?
Takatsuka
This time, we received about 40,000 applications.
We adjust the factory tours to accommodate 1,000 people per day.
The event lasts for two weeks, so we have about 14,000 people visiting each year.
This year (2023) had about three times the usual number of applications.
That's an impressive number of applications. I imagine there are customers who really want to attend.
Kamoi
Thanks to our enthusiastic fans, mt has many dedicated supporters.
While they can attend events held all over the country, the factory tours in Kurashiki have a set capacity, and if they don't win the lottery, they can't attend, which has led to feelings of unfairness. Therefore, we introduced a stamp rally app five years ago.
By collecting 10 stamps at events, participants can earn priority tickets for the factory tours.
That's wonderful! Is the timing of the event fixed each year?
Takatsuka
Previously, we held the tours during spring break in response to requests from customers who wanted to attend with their children.
Since 2022, we have collaborated with JR West Japan and the Okayama Prefectural Tourism Federation to participate in the Okayama Destination Campaign.
As a result, the event was held in September in 2023.
To attract tourists to Okayama Prefecture, we collaborated with tourist spots to create a summer-limited special mt space.
In 2022, we decorated the Ushimado and Inujima areas, and in 2023, we decorated the Hiruzensan area and the old Fukiya Elementary School in Takahashi City with "mt."
Additionally, in 2023, we opened a special exhibition and mt shop at Kurashiki Ivy Square's Aimi Red Brick Hall for a limited time, attracting many visitors.
About Support Shops
Not only the factory tours, but you can also receive original mt at shops in Kurashiki.
Kamoi
In the Bikan Historical Area of Kurashiki, at shops that support this factory tour, if you meet the conditions of each shop, you can receive original masking tape from that shop.
We want people who visit the factory tours to also explore the city of Kurashiki and enjoy their time here.
Furthermore, we hope that tourists will dine and shop at Kurashiki's attractions, contributing to the local economy.
Future Plans
2023 marks the 100th anniversary of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD., and I believe various projects have been planned. Are there any plans for next year?
Takatsuka
The schedule for the factory tours has not been decided yet, but we do plan to hold them somewhere, so please look forward to it.
Kamoi
Even though it's 100 years, it doesn't feel very real.
I believe we have come this far thanks to our predecessors, so I want to express my gratitude to the customers and everyone involved who have supported us so far, and I want to strive to pass this on to the next generation.
Conclusion
The factory tour "mt factory tour vol.12" provided a space that is usually used as a factory, where employees working in the factory arranged displays, handled the cash register, and explained the tours.
To fulfill the wishes of our customers, all employees are united in providing hospitality.
Not only do we aim to captivate tourists, but we also contribute to the local economy, filled with the desire for everyone in the local community to smile and uplift Kurashiki.
With many cute designs continuously emerging, KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.'s "mt" will surely continue to expand in new directions.
The day may not be far off when we refer to Kurashiki as "the town of mt."
The factory tours held once a year at the headquarters in Kurashiki have many fans across the country who look forward to them every year.
I am one of them.
In 2024, let's look forward to when and in what form the factory tour event will be held.
Articles about KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
Data for mt factory tour vol.12
| Name | mt factory tour vol.12 |
|---|---|
| Date | September 6 to September 20, 2023 |
| Location | 236 Katashima, Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Free. Only those selected by lottery after applying can attend. |
| Website | mt masking tape |
