At the edge of Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area is a paper goods shop specializing in masking tape.
Jochikudo, a paper goods shop, carries around 850 varieties of masking tape.
Kurashiki is the birthplace of masking tape.
Visitors to Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area come to Jochikudo in search of masking tape.
After buying masking tape at Jochikudo, visitors stop by various shops before making their way back to the central area.
More and more appealing shops have opened in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area beyond the central area, drawing people outward from the center.
Jochikudo is one of the shops that has changed the flow of people in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area.
Along with masking tape, Jochikudo has plenty of goods to brighten everyday life, including letter paper, paper balloons, and candles. Even just browsing is fun.
We’ll also introduce the staff’s passion for masking tape and the free workshop experience.
The information presented was current when this article was published in April 2023. Please note that it may differ from current information.
From a Fusuma Shop to a Paper Goods Shop
Walk straight through the shopping arcade from JR Kurashiki Station, pass Achi Shrine, and continue on to find Jochikudo at the far end of the streetscape in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area.
Paper balloons of all kinds hang from the ceiling, and masking tapes in a variety of designs line the shop.
The shop was founded in Kurashiki Bikan Historical Area in 1918 as a fusuma shop.
In 2009, around the time KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD.’s masking tape “mt” began to gain popularity, it transitioned into a paper goods shop.
The main masking tape brands carried at Jochikudo are as follows:
- KAMOI KAKOSHI CO., LTD. mt
- Kurashiki Isho Keikakushitsu
- Kurashiki Machiya Tape Production Committee
Among these, the Kurashiki Machiya Tape Production Committee is a group of volunteer designers who create original masking tape and letter paper.
Masking Tape and Paper Goods
Here’s an introduction to the masking tape, letter paper, and paper goods available at Jochikudo.
Masking Tape
There are around 850 varieties of masking tape.
Kurashiki-exclusive masking tape also makes a great souvenir.
Masking tape embossed with silver or gold foil has a luxurious feel and a Japanese touch, making it feel special.
Masking tape with simple patterns is very useful for a wide range of purposes, such as notes and planners.
Letter Paper
Letter paper by the Kurashiki Machiya Tape Production Committee features cute designs, such as chicks and Momotaro, that are sure to make you chuckle.
It makes you feel like writing a letter for a change.
Paper Goods
Just inside the entrance, on the right, you’ll find fragrant candles and paper goods.
Free Masking Tape Workshop
At Jochikudo, you can take part in a free workshop decorating items such as badges, fans, and tote bags with masking tape.
The free workshop area is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Choose the number of participants and the materials you’d like to use, then sign up at the register. (Sign-ups are not accepted by phone.)
Each person may participate once per day.
On weekdays, you can decorate paper bags and fans; on weekends and holidays, you can decorate badges, handled cardboard boxes, and masking tape collection boxes with masking tape.
We tried the free badge-making workshop.
Since many customers want to try the free workshop, there is a 10-minute time limit.
Be sure to disinfect your hands thoroughly before starting.
There are many kinds of masking tape on the table for the free workshop, and it’s fun just to pick them up and look at them.
Apply the masking tape however you like to the round piece of cardstock.
Trim the ends of any excess tape neatly along the backing card.
Apparently, the badge press may not work properly if you fold the ends of the masking tape under or layer several pieces on top of each other.
Choose a masking tape design featuring cats and stick it on.
It’s quite difficult to get it to fit neatly on the round backing card.
Place the backing card covered with masking tape on the round metal plate for the badge, lay a plastic film over it, and press it with the badge-making machine.
We got so absorbed in making it that the 10 minutes flew by.
Our one-of-a-kind badge was ready.
Jochikudo carries a wide range of products to brighten everyday life, including masking tape, letter paper, paper goods, and candles.
We spoke with a staff member to learn more about Jochikudo.
Jochikudo details
| Name | Jochikudo |
|---|---|
| Address | 14-5 Honmachi, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 086-422-2666 |
| Parking | None |
| Hours | 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m. |
| Closed | Open daily |
| Payment methods |
|
| Website | Kurashiki Machiya Jochikudo |
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