MT is the original washi paper masking tape brand, made by Kamoi Kakoshi — a company with over a century of history in industrial masking tape production before pivoting a portion of that expertise into the decorative washi tape now sold worldwide. This matters beyond trivia: the tape’s actual material properties (genuine washi/rice paper, not a generic craft-paper imitation) are a direct result of that industrial tape-making background, not a design studio’s aesthetic decision layered onto a standard product.
What “washi” actually means for how the tape behaves
Washi is traditional Japanese paper, and MT’s use of real washi (rather than a heavier craft paper) is why the tape has genuinely different physical properties from typical decorative tape: it’s thinner and more conformable, meaning it molds to curved or textured surfaces better than thicker masking tape, and it’s semi-transparent, allowing layered pieces to show through each other for a genuinely different visual effect than opaque tape achieves.
Why it’s writable (and why that’s not true of most tape)
MT washi tape’s paper surface takes pen and pencil markings cleanly, which is unusual for tape generally — most plastic-based tapes resist ink or smear it. This single property is why washi tape became popular for labeling, journaling, and planner use beyond pure decoration: a strip can function as a writable label or date marker, not just a colorful accent.
Common uses beyond decoration
- Journal and planner accents — marking dates, sectioning pages, or adding color-coded borders without committing to a permanent mark
- Temporary labeling — because it removes cleanly without residue on most surfaces, it works for labeling things that need to be re-labeled later (storage boxes, cords, temporary signage)
- Gift wrapping and cards — the semi-transparent, patterned options add a decorative element that plain tape can’t
MT Washi Tape sets with multiple coordinated colors are a reasonable starting point over buying single rolls individually, since most uses benefit from having a few complementary colors on hand rather than committing to just one.
MT vs. generic washi tape from a craft store
Generic washi tape (widely available and often cheaper) can vary significantly in paper quality, adhesive strength, and how cleanly it removes — some craft-store versions leave residue or tear when removed from certain surfaces. MT’s tape, backed by genuine industrial tape-making expertise, is more consistently reliable on the properties that actually matter for functional use (clean removal, real conformability) rather than just pattern variety.
FAQ: MT washi tape
What makes MT different from other washi tape brands? MT is made by Kamoi Kakoshi, a company with over a century of industrial masking tape experience, which shows up in more consistent adhesive quality and cleaner removal compared to some generic washi tape alternatives.
Can I write on washi tape? Yes — this is one of its most useful properties. The paper surface takes pen and pencil markings cleanly, unlike most plastic-based decorative tape.
Does washi tape damage surfaces when removed? Generally no, when used on appropriate surfaces (paper, painted walls, most smooth surfaces) — it’s designed to remove cleanly without residue, similar in concept to painter’s masking tape.
Is washi tape only for scrapbooking and decoration? No — its writable surface and clean removal make it genuinely useful for functional purposes like temporary labeling, journal organization, and planner date-marking, beyond purely decorative use.