Masking tape that is convenient for minor remakes and arrangements. About ten years ago, it became a big hit with the introduction by craft artists and the stationery boom, and now it can be seen in various places. It's fun to find your favorite item from a variety of designs, from simple plain ones to unique and elaborate ones.

The masking tape brand "mt" of Kamoi processed paper supported the trend of such "maste". It is a very popular brand that holds most of the domestic market share of masking tape. Mt is famous for a factory tour of the head office (Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture), but in February 2017, we opened the first roadside store "mt lab." In Kuramae, Tokyo. This shop is also very popular with fans, so the author of Mastefan also went to see it immediately.

A few minutes walk from the A5 exit of the Toei Oedo Line, "mt lab." Is a "complete reservation system" masking tape specialty store where you can purchase Kamoi processed paper masts. There is also a mini gallery where you can enjoy a unique exhibition of maste every period.


The first thing that comes to your eyes when you enter the store is the masts lined up all over the wall. It is stored in a transparent cylinder according to design, so you can purchase as many as you like. There is a lot of it, so just looking at it is interesting!






When I asked the staff about the recommended maste, the ones that were exhibited at the table in the center of the store were introduced. In particular, the mast on the left side is a limited edition of "mt lab." It is a very rare product that can only be bought here.


Among them, the one I was interested in was "double-sided printing tape." It is a mast with a pattern printed on the back and front of the tape. Since it is a double-sided print, it is recommended when decorating a transparent plastic case or clear file.




In addition, there were shellac-processed masts that give a glossy surface that looks like varnish, and phosphorescent tape that glows in dark places. These are also limited to "mt lab.", So they are recommended as souvenirs.



There are also days when you can place a tape width scale sale order. Inside the store, there is a small version of the machine used to make masking tape at the head office, and you can observe how the mast is wrapped around the core and how one piece is cut at the right time. When purchasing, write down your favorite pattern, tape width, and quantity on the order sheet and place an order. Due to its popularity, the order date is currently limited and may be delivered at a later date.






In addition to selling these products, you can also enjoy special exhibitions with different themes depending on the period. When I went there, I was holding a "paper exhibition". This is an exhibition where you can actually see and touch the paper used in mt products and feel the difference. In addition, the original origami that was announced at the "Paper Expo", a festival about "paper" held in the past, was displayed.




"Mt lab." Is an irresistible space for Maste fans, where you can enjoy shopping and exhibitions. Since the number of people is fixed for each hour with a complete reservation system, you can relax and immerse yourself in the world of maste. Reservations are accepted at any time on the mt official website. Business days are Wednesday to Sunday, and business hours are from 10:00 to 12:00 and from 13:00 to 19:00. When making a reservation, it is recommended to go after 17:00, which is relatively vacant.