The masking tape "mt" (MT) is often seen in shops and events in Kurashiki City.
Manufactured by KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. located in Katashima-cho, Kurashiki City, it is also famous among mt fans as the "birthplace of mt - Kurashiki".
KAMOI KAKOSHI holds the "mt factory tour," which allows visitors to tour the headquarters factory once a year, and it started on March 20, 2026 (Friday, holiday).
I participated on the second day, March 21 (Saturday), so I will introduce the factory tour experience.
What is mt factory tour vol.15
"mt" is short for "masking tape," and it is the brand name of masking tape sold by KAMOI KAKOSHI for stationery and miscellaneous goods.
Founded in 1923, KAMOI KAKOSHI started with the production of high-trim paper, and its current main products are industrial products such as adhesive tapes. The colorful and design-rich masking tape "mt," which utilizes the manufacturing technology of adhesive tapes, began production and sales in 2008 and has become very popular not only in Japan but also overseas.
The factory tour "mt factory tour," which started in 2012, has become an event that attracts attention from both Kurashiki citizens and mt fans, allowing special tours of KAMOI KAKOSHI's factory once a year.
The 15th edition in 2026 is being held from March 20 to April 2, and it is said that there were about 40,000 applications for a capacity of approximately 10,000.
Can I participate on a waitlist?
Due to the high number of applications for mt factory tour vol.15, only those who made reservations can participate in principle.
However, if there are any openings or cancellations on the day, there is a possibility to participate by waiting at KAMOI Parking.
Since participation is not guaranteed, they cannot provide answers regarding the number of available spots even if you inquire in advance.
Participating in mt factory tour
I visited on March 21 (Saturday).
At KAMOI Parking in front of JR Kurashiki Station, which is the meeting place, many people gathered due to the three-day weekend.
We board the classic wrapping bus and head to the headquarters factory in Katashima-cho.
After about 20 minutes on the bus, we arrive at the factory and are guided to Factory 2.5.
Observing the process of making mt
At Factory 2.5, the winning numbers were announced, and one person received a commemorative gift.
After that, we watched a video introducing the history of mt, and the factory tour began.
Inside the factory, employees of KAMOI KAKOSHI carefully explained "the process of making mt" in front of the machines.
Artworks in the venue
After the factory tour, we stroll through the designated area on the premises.
The basic content is similar to previous years, but this time there were many displays of tape art and other artworks throughout the venue.
Yen Market Venue
At the Yen Market venue, in addition to the popular "mt Fill-it-up" corner, this year we also introduced "mt Fishing" and "Smart Ball".
Shopping at mt Shop
Of course, the mt Shop is also well-stocked.
A variety of mt and mt goods, from standard to limited editions, were available for sale.
Interview with Sana Ogino
The "mt factory tour" attracts many people not only from Kurashiki City but also from within and outside Okayama Prefecture.
We spoke with Sana Ogino, who is in charge of planning and public relations at KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
Can you tell us about the background of the mt factory tour project?
Ogino
Once a year, we invite end users (purchasers and users) to see the manufacturing process of masking tape (mt) and the factory site, which is why we hold this event every year.
Moreover, we want people to enjoy the town of Kurashiki, the birthplace of mt, not just as a factory tour. To this end, we have prepared projects where visitors can eat local specialties and shop at surrounding stores (support shops) in the Bikan Historical Area to receive limited edition tape.
This is the 15th time, but do you have any highlights for this year?
Ogino
This time, a major highlight is the "exhibition centered around art".
In conjunction with the event at Kurashiki Ivy Square, we are displaying tape art created by artists from Japan and abroad throughout the factory, as well as an illustrated diary by artist Yoshinari Ishimura inside the factory.
Additionally, to ensure that our regular customers who visit every year can enjoy a fresh experience, we have added new projects to the yen market corner. Activities such as "mt Fishing," which utilizes the adhesive properties of tape, and "Smart Ball," where prizes are given based on where balls land, are designed to create a lively atmosphere for groups and families.
Finally, do you have a message for visitors and readers?
Ogino
I would be happy if everyone could create many "travel memories" through the mt factory tour.
As a memorable project this time, we have set up a "mt-patterned print seal machine" in the parking area where people gather. Please take photos with those who came with you when you leave.
I sincerely hope that visitors will not only shop but also take photos against the backdrop of the art and photo spots in the factory, creating many experiences and travel memories in this space.
In Conclusion
I have visited the mt factory tour several times in the past, and while the basic structure remains unchanged, there are always subtle changes each year.
Participants likely enjoy and support the event because they feel that it is planned with mt fans in mind. Evidence of this can be seen in the tote bags distributed to participants, filled with many mt items, and the conversations heard on the return bus about where to go next.
Additionally, the following events are also being held in Kurashiki City in conjunction with the mt factory tour.
- mt ex at Ainami Red Brick Hall 2026
※Until April 12, 2026 - mt archive vol.4 -tapes, events, and posters at Sami no Ie
※Until April 2, 2026
Why not visit during this exciting time when Kurashiki is buzzing with mt?
Articles about KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.
Data for mt factory tour vol.15
| Name | mt factory tour vol.15 |
|---|---|
| Date | March 20 (Fri) - April 2 (Thu), 2026 |
| Location | 236 Katashima-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | 500 yen |
| Website | mt factory tour |
