Did you know there is masking tape with cute and colorful patterns? Beyond the drab masking tape used by painters in their work, new decorative tape is available from Japan. While masking tape was originally invented in the United States, Japanese paper tape is now the most common type used around the world. The tape has been made in Japan since the 1930s. Recently, it was reinvented as a decorative item, attracting young women who use it to transform interiors and miscellaneous goods to make them stylish.

Unique! Traditional Pattern Masking Tape Imbued with Japanese Aesthetics

The new masking tape commonly goes under the name "Japanese paper tape" or "washi tape" internationally. The tape is thin yet tough. It is sticky enough yet can be peeled off cleanly. Those are excellent qualities but the most attractive point is the abundance of designs that appeal to girls' sensibilities. There are patterns with polka dots or stripes, multicolor patterns and much more. Fans universally say, "I simply enjoy looking at tape laid side by side."

Patterned masking tape has appeared in Japan with traditional Japanese designs, which create an ambiance unlike that of designs familiar to people in other countries. A couple of examples are the twisted plum blossom, which shows plum blossom petals overlapping in a spiral, and the flower-shaped family crest, which shows diamond-shaped flower petals. The fine Japanese designs printed on understated colors give a soft and calm impression. Traditional Japanese patterns like these pair very well with masking tape made of Japanese paper, which is translucent and has a gentle texture.

Designs with pop illustrations of Japanese motifs are also popular. Drawn somewhat comically, the motifs in these elaborate illustrations include sumo, which is Japan's national sport, and bonsai, which people know as an ornamental plant. Cherry blossoms and their cute pink petals are another common motif. You might also see the fish-shaped cake called "taiyaki" as a motif.

This kind of patterned masking tape is also a very popular souvenir for tourists to Japan. Every day, stores in downtown areas in Tokyo are packed with young female tourists. Many of them even buy bundles of masking tape with different designs. Quite a few customers first check websites to look for patterns they like, before going to the stores.

Easy and Cute! Masking Tape Coloring Your Life with Fun

Now, with Japanese pattern masking tape, let's give a makeover to things around us! First, the tape can instantly transform something from familiar to cute. For example, it can highlight an important task in a personal organizer, stylishly decorate a present or letter to a friend, or be wrapped around a toothpick to create a small flag stuck into a piece of fruit or cake.

Another use for the masking tape is to make a custom mug or plate. It can also customize a personal computer keyboard or cover a cord. Digital devices tend to look impersonal, but masking tape can give them a whole new colorful appearance. Some people have wrapped a bicycle or car with tape. Others have "painted" flowers on a room wall with many different colors of tape. The masking tape can be used in infinite ways, which all start with a single idea from the user.

Full of Fascination! Masking Tape Events Not to Be Missed by Fans

Masking tape events have taken place all over Japan in response to the popularity of masking tape among girls. Let's take a look at one lively show that had long lines of fans at every venue.

The mt ex exhibition has taken place and drawn attention in a wide variety of venues – not only in big cities, such as Tokyo and Fukuoka City, but also in hot-spring areas surrounded by mountains and the sea and on smaller, remote islands. You may imagine that the masking tape is used to decorate only small objects. For this exhibition, however, the entire site is covered with tape, and numerous objets d'art festooned with tape hang from the ceiling. They are examples that highlight the power of spatial design with masking tape. Fans also absolutely love the other parts of the event, such as the store and the workshop. The store sells tape that was specially designed for the region and is sold only locally. The tape bears motifs of local specialties. At the workshop, visitors can create original tin badges with the tape of their choice.

There is also a tour offered by a masking tape factory. Participants can get a close look at production processes. The many additional fun offerings at the factory include a sales corner for masking tape. There, people can buy tape by the weight at a lower price than usual. The tour is so popular that visitors are selected by lottery every time.

In demand by mostly young women, masking tape from Japan is now loved even outside Japan as an item for decorating miscellaneous goods and tableware. More unique uses and events are likely to appear in the future. So keep an eye out for the latest applications and makeovers with masking tape.