Mt Factory Tour Vol. 6 (Kamoi Masking Tape Factory Tour)

I went to Kurashiki to participate in the Mt Factory Tour Vol.6. It is held between late March and early April every year. This year is the 6th year, then it is called Mt Factory Tour vol.6.




This is what I experienced in the tour.  After registration near Kurashiki Station, participants got on the special bus to the factory. In the bus, passengers watched its welcome video.   After the video, I watched one Japanese TV programme about masking tape. One lady, who is crazy about masking tapes, keeps talking about attructiveness of masking tapes . I could not close my mouth on the way to the factory. That freak lady is really weird, but it is funny as well.





Finally we reached the factory.  Three or four staff members received us in the entrance to give novelty. One deliver a short speech.  Then another explained some of exhibited materials and the process of manufacturing the tapes. Then we moved sequence of the processes. Initially staff members showed the factory, manufacturing processes. They, for instance, explained that Washi, Japanese hand-made paper, is used for masking tape. I was bit surprised. Then we moved to temporary stock house. In their stock house, staff are very busy checking, picking up and packing to send to customers. According to staff, they manufacture approximately 1000 tapes. Based on customers' orders, they pack and send them.

After the stock house, I watched exhibition like Kamoi's company history and their products. Kamoi initially manufactured special paper with glues in order to catch flies.


In accordance with Japan' development, the demand for the paper is reducing. Flies disappeared and Japan became more hygienic. As a result, Kamoi changed strategies to produce masking tapes, which basically were used for protecting areas from painting. Masking tapes were used by professional workers, e.g. painters. Later manufacturers sold pattern ones.



Nowadays many Japanese young girls love masking tapes.   Many are also exported to overseas. They cut and paste some in schedule books. Mt masking tapes are quite popular among young Japanese women. In this tour, Kamoi offered workshops. Souvenir shop was open during the tour. Most visitors were also women and children.  They enjoyed the tour lots.


In the factory all slogans, signs, instructions in words   are written by masking tapes. Kamoi also collaborates with local government and firms. As mt art project, the Okayama Castle is decorated with masking tapes.



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