If you live in Kurashiki City, it seems that you often have the opportunity to see or receive original masking tape not only at stores and companies but also at events organized by Kurashiki City.
This is no surprise. The masking tape "mt" (エムティー) from KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. was born in Kurashiki City and many products are still manufactured at the factory in Katashima.
KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. holds the "mt factory tour" which allows visitors to tour the headquarters factory once a year. The 2025 event will start on March 20 (Thursday, public holiday).
The mt factory tour, which is said to be the "holy place for mt fans," attracts participants from Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, and even overseas. Although the pre-registration lottery has already ended, it seems that you can still participate as a standby if there are cancellations on the day.
I will introduce the atmosphere of the venue and how to participate in the tour.
What is mt (エムティー)
mt is an abbreviation for "masking tape," and it is the brand name of the masking tape made by KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
Colorful and design-rich masking tape for stationery and miscellaneous goods can be easily torn and stuck, and can be removed immediately, making it popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
Since KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. first produced "mt" in 2008, Kurashiki has been referred to as the birthplace of masking tape.
What is mt factory tour vol.14
The "mt factory tour" is a factory tour held once a year by KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. It started in 2012, and the 14th event will be held in 2025. The event period for 2025 is from March 20 (Thursday, public holiday) to April 2 (Wednesday) for two weeks.
In addition to observing the manufacturing process of mt, which is popular as a souvenir from Kurashiki, participants can enjoy a wide range of mt sales and workshops using mt.
There are also limited items that can only be obtained here, so many repeaters participate every year.
KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2023.
This time, the theme is "Looking back at mt", and participants will be welcomed with colorful striped patterns inspired by decorative patterns used in early events of mt's birth.
Atmosphere of the venue
For me, who worked as a teacher at a special needs school in my previous job, mt is one of the tools I use for work.
This is because mt tape is easy to tear for children who have difficulty applying pressure with their fingertips, and it has no blades, making it safe to use. Therefore, it was the perfect teaching material for young children's creative activities and for children with challenges in fine motor skills.
Of course, I always kept several types of mt hidden on my teacher's desk.
This is a rare opportunity to see the headquarters factory of mt, which is filled with so many memories.
I visited the venue on the afternoon of the first day, March 20, 2025 (Thursday, public holiday), and I will report on the situation.
Riding the wrapping bus to the headquarters factory
The tour starts at KAMOI Parking in front of JR Kurashiki Station.
The shuttle bus is decorated with masking tape, which catches the eye.
Many people may have seen this colorful bus running on the road; the decorations on this bus are replaced every year during the tour.
During the 20-minute ride, we watched a promotional video of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. and received explanations of important points from the staff, and before we knew it, we arrived at the factory.
As soon as we got off the bus, souvenirs were handed out.
Inside the bag were mt goods. There may be random "cutting experience winning tickets" or "string lottery participation tickets," so be sure to check the contents of the novelty right away.
The souvenirs for mt factory tour vol.14 are as follows.
- Original eco bag
- Stainless box
- Two types of original masking tape
Many fans participate in the tour every year aiming for this valuable souvenir, which includes items not for sale.
As I carefully held the bag handed to me by the smiling staff and tried to enter the factory...
I encountered a participant from the second factory tour breaking a lucky bag with "Congratulations" written on it, aimed at one in two participants.
It immediately fills the atmosphere with a festive feeling.
Observing the process of "how mt is made"
First, we entered the second and fifth factories in small groups and watched a video explaining the history of mt and the manufacturing process of masking tape. The video has subtitles, so even I, who have a hearing impairment, can participate in the tour with peace of mind, just like the other participants.
After watching the video, the curtain opens, and the process observation begins.
Photography is usually prohibited inside the factory. This time, we have received special permission to take photos.
Inside the factory, employees of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. carefully explained "the process of how mt is made" in front of the machines. Some people couldn't help but lean forward in this precious place where they could see the actual production of mt.
It becomes clear that mt, which we usually use without thinking, is made by the hands of many people.
The staff in charge will also introduce some fun facts about mt, so while you firmly imprint the unusual processes in your mind, it is also recommended to listen to the staff's stories.
Third Mixing Factory Full of Exhibits
Until the factory tour, you will be guided by the staff for explanations, but from here on, you can explore at your own pace. The return bus time will be communicated when you board the bus, so enjoy the tour while making sure to catch the bus.
If there are vacant seats, buses outside the designated time can also be used
Upon entering the factory, colorful mt wrapped cars and motorcycles are lined up.
In line with this year's theme "Reflection on mt," part of a classic car decorated with wide tape combined and applied by hand can be entered inside. It was adorable to see the children happily pretending to drive.
Additionally, works awarded in the "mt Art Contest" held since 2019 are on display.
From a distance, it looks like a single painting, but up close, it is an interesting art piece with mt stickers applied all over.
On the second floor of the exhibition room, there is a historical materials room where you can learn about the history of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. It was an interesting display that offered a glimpse into the trends of design and the flow of the times, including posters of ribbon height paper, which is the origin of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
mt shop where you can get exclusive goods
The most bustling area of the mt factory tour was, of course, the mt shop. Using half of the facility, over ten thousand types of "mt" designs are displayed in chronological order on panels, alongside a wide variety of paper products including standard mt and venue-exclusive mt.
Each table displays examples of wrapping using wrapping sheets and mt, so it sparks imagination on how to use the purchased products.
The souvenir given to participants was an eco-bag, but at the mt CASA hut, there are ten types of venue-exclusive tote bags available, so you can also get those.
There is a rich lineup of mt products made by applying regular masking tape, including transfer stickers and fabric tape made with Liberty fabric.
There is also a badge-making workshop, where participants of all ages, from adults to children, were enjoying themselves in their own ways.
Additionally, a popularity vote for the historical mt is also being held at the entrance of the venue. It will be exciting to see which patterns are chosen by fans from among the many mt options.
Get goods at reasonable prices while having fun at "Festival & Outlet"
The exploration continues.
At the "Festival & Outlet," there were booths full of playful elements reminiscent of a festival, such as gacha machines, grab bags, and string lottery.
Many adult fans of mt gathered around the scoop-and-take and gachapon, excited as if they had returned to their childhood.
What surprised me in the outlet corner was discovering not only stationery but also drip bag coffee.
This coffee is from Sarutahiko Coffee.
It is one of the collaboration products with Sarutahiko Coffee, which regularly uses mt for managing coffee bean expiration and sealing bags of bread sold in-store.
The material of the upcycle tape that mt exhibited and won the Stationery Store Award 2025 was coffee filters, which led to the realization of this collaboration.
In addition, there are many useful daily goods such as mt plates collaborated with Hasami ware and mt-patterned toilet paper, and all participants were sparkling-eyed as they searched for products to take home.
Feel the Origin of mt at "Ribbon Hitori's Kiln"
The Ribbon Hitori's Kiln, which can be considered the origin of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD., is also introduced.
It is located at the very back of the venue, but you can get a cute sticker upon entry, so it’s a must-see.
The kiln, where the original workshop remains, is a deep spot where you can feel the history.
A footbridge for visitors made of iron has been prepared for general public access starting in 2023. Inside the kiln, you can also see aged kilns and well-used machines and tools on display.
This cool logo of "KAMOI'S FLY-PAPER SHEETS" was created using sheets to spray the logo on cardboard for overseas export. The remnants of the culture that became the origin of the transfer stickers made with mt can be seen throughout this nostalgic space.
Many Photo Spots
At mt factory tour vol.14, all areas except for the processes of "how mt is made" at the 2nd and 5th factories are available for photography.
During the mt factory tour held in 2014, starting with the art piece by Pip & Pop, who handled the installation at the headquarters factory,
There are plenty of photo spots, including a mural of Momotaro made with mt.
In addition to special goods, why not look for a special shot while holding your camera?
If You're Hungry, Head to the "Dining & Break Corner"
At mt factory tour vol.14, Kurashiki Bukkake Udon Furuiichi and BESSO COFFEE provide food in the actual employee cafeteria.
Since it is a cafeteria actually used in the factory, it also has vending machines, refrigerators, and microwaves, allowing you to feel the daily life within the factory. It was also a convenient meeting spot for families and friends to gather as they explored their favorite corners.
At the back of the cafeteria, there are also sales of leather-cut notebooks and house care goods, as well as workshops, so you can enjoy mt while waiting for your companions to finish their meals.
mt factory tour Limited! Experience Shrink Wrapping at "mt casa shop"
After enjoying the tour and filling your stomach, you might think the mt factory tour is over. However, there is a must-see spot right in front of the bus stop for your return. That is the mt casa shop.
Here, you can choose three or five favorite mt tapes and experience "shrink wrapping" them in a transparent film. It is truly an experience unique to factory tours, where you can try out the work you observed during the initial process tour with your own hands.
In 2024, I selected three favorite patterns from various mt designs for the shrink wrapping experience, but this year, you will combine three or five consecutive patterns like a puzzle and shrink wrap them into a single illustration.
Since mt is made by cutting large tapes to a specified width, combining the designs of the tapes creates a single illustration. "I heard that the play of sticking the tapes like a puzzle to complete a single illustration is ," which inspired the employees to realize this workshop.
While seriously arranging the tapes to match the sample so that the patterns look beautiful,
You cover it with film and pass it through the shrink wrapping machine.
The mt that has passed through the shrink wrapping machine has the film heat-pressed onto it. By the time it rolls out of the machine, a set that looks like it could be on store shelves is completed.
Finally, you complete it by sticking on the label of the limited design for mt factory tour vol.14.
Additionally, "mt casa" is one of the mt series products, which refers to mt designed for interior use that can be stuck and removed. It is a great DIY item that can dramatically change the atmosphere just by sticking it on walls or furniture.
There was also a cute little house made using this.
After enjoying the tour until just before getting on the bus, you will board the return bus to KAMOI parking in front of JR Kurashiki Station.
With goods, experiences, and food, it was a tour filled with excitement.
If you participate in the tour, enjoy 30 support shops in Kurashiki City
On the return bus, a promotional video for the support shops of mt factory tour vol.14 will be played.
Support shops are those that have agreed to participate in mt factory tour vol.14. Participants with this tour pass can receive original mt unique to each shop by meeting the conditions of each shop.
There are 30 support shops for mt factory tour vol.14.
For details, please check the image below.
There is also a chance for "waitlist"
The mt factory tour is a pre-registration lottery event. Therefore, if you are not selected in the lottery or miss the chance to participate, you cannot join.
However, for those reading this article and thinking, "I really want to go to mt factory tour vol.14," here is some good news.
In fact, the factory tour accepts a limited number of waitlist participants almost every day for each bus. If you go to the reception at KAMOI parking on the day you want to participate, there will be information about the waitlist, so be sure to apply.
Since you may not be able to get on your desired bus, be sure to go to the reception with plenty of time to spare.
During mt factory tour vol.14, many related events will also be held in Kurashiki City
During this period, when many people visit Kurashiki from both inside and outside the prefecture for mt factory tour vol.14, the following mt events will also be held outside the main factory.
- mt KIOSK (inside JR Kurashiki Station ticket gate)
March 19, 2025 (Wednesday) to April 2, 2025 (Wednesday) from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM - mt ex at IVY RED BRICK HALL 2025 (inside Kurashiki Ivy Square)
March 27, 2025 (Thursday) to April 29, 2025 (Tuesday)
I interviewed Sana Ogino, the planning and public relations manager of KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD., about the many highlights and ways to enjoy mt factory tour vol.14.
Data for mt factory tour vol.14
| Name | mt factory tour vol.14 |
|---|---|
| Event Dates | March 20, 2025 (Thursday) to April 2, 2025 (Wednesday) |
| Location | 236 Katashima-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (tax included) | 500 yen |
| Website | mt factory tour |
Sticky tape used to hang from high places like ceilings to catch flies and pests