Craftsmanship That Transformed Stationery: The Innovation Stories of Masking Tape, Notebooks and Fountain Pens
Introduction
Japanese stationery embodies technology and dedication. It has evolved not merely as "tools for writing" or "tools for recording", but as "companions" that draw out the creativity of their users and make daily tasks more comfortable.
This article introduces the stories of three stationery items that could only have been born in Japan. The surprising transformation of industrial masking tape into decorative tape, a notebook that has been continuously refined for 37 years, and the craftsman's nib-grinding technique passed down for over a century. These are the crystallisation of the "technology" and "spirit" that Japanese manufacturing possesses.
Chapter 1: Kamoi Kakoshi "mt"
From Automotive Factory Tape to Desks Around the World
1.1 It Began with a Single Email
Kamoi Kakoshi Co., Ltd., headquartered in Katashima-cho, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture, was founded in 1923 as a flypaper manufacturer. The company, which had established a solid position in industrial tape manufacturing by applying adhesive technology cultivated over many years, ventured into the stationery and sundries sector in 2008 and created the masking tape brand "mt", which sparked a global boom and has now become a design culture representative of Kurashiki.
The turning point came in 2006. An email arrived from three women living in Tokyo requesting a factory tour. What they brought was a peculiar request for the factory.
"Please make this masking tape in colourful colours."
Kamoi Kakoshi was a company that had been making masking tape used in automotive painting processes for over 80 years. Their tape protected car bodies from paint adhesion, and once painting was finished, it was peeled off and discarded. The colours were drab white or beige. It was a world entirely unrelated to "decoration".
The company had long made the manufacturing of industrial protective tape its core business. Its main customers were the construction and automotive industries, and the required product characteristics were "strong adhesive power" and "durability". However, entering the 2000s, it faced serious challenges: market contraction and intensifying price competition. Industrial tape had a structural problem where once performance reached a certain level, differentiation became difficult, resulting in a tendency to fall into price competition.
Within the company, they had never accepted factory tours from members of the general public, and at first, not understanding the reason or intention, all the employees were simply bewildered. Even after receiving the email, they could not reach a conclusion immediately, and it apparently became passed around within the company.
However, not only the email but also their "work" arrived. It was a little press (a small-run booklet created by individuals) that used industrial masking tape for collage and wrapping, introducing its appeal. When they made several hundred copies, they sold out immediately. For the second edition, they wanted to introduce how masking tape was made and requested a factory tour.
The fact that a product originally meant to be used at construction sites was being used as material for creative hobbies was unbelievable for many employees. The president at the time could not understand this request. He did not understand why an industrial product should be made "cute". The initial reaction within the company was "surely this is a joke", but eventually positive opinions began to emerge that "it is worth trying". The managing director at the time, moved by their enthusiasm, approved the factory tour. This small shift would later greatly change the company's destiny.
*Little Press*
In the Japanese context, 'little press' refers to small-run, independently published booklets or zines created by individuals or small groups, typically focusing on niche interests or hobbies. Whilst similar to the Western concept of zines, Japanese little press publications are characterised by their highly specialised content and the culture of passionate hobbyists sharing detailed knowledge about their particular interests with like-minded enthusiasts. These publications are often produced in extremely limited quantities (sometimes just a few hundred copies) and distributed at specialised events or through independent bookshops. The little press culture in Japan represents a broader tradition of dedicated craftsmanship and the pursuit of mastery in even the most seemingly modest subjects.
1.2 Washi: The Secret Weapon
The three women who visited the factory were deeply impressed and spoke passionately: "You can tear it by hand and use it, and no adhesive remains when you peel it off", "You can write on top of it", and "The translucent effect when layered is lovely". Kamoi Kakoshi's masking tape possessed special properties that other companies' products did not have.
Kamoi Kakoshi's masking tape uses washi. Because washi fibres are long and interwoven, it can be easily torn by hand. Moreover, the torn edge does not become jagged but tears straight and beautifully. Scissors or cutters are unnecessary. This fibre structure of washi was the secret to its ease of use.
Even more important was the adhesive technology refined over 80 years. In automotive painting, after the tape is applied, baking and painting are performed at high temperatures. Afterwards, when removing the tape, the paint or base coat must not be damaged. To meet this requirement, Kamoi Kakoshi had spent many years developing adhesive technology that "adheres firmly but peels cleanly".
Repositioning is possible more than ten times, and no adhesive residue remains whatsoever. Durability is also high, achieving quality that does not fade for over five years. These were technologies developed to clear the strict quality standards of the automotive industry. For Kamoi Kakoshi, their perspective and usage were unprecedentedly novel. The "rigour that permits no failure" cultivated as an industrial product would create value for consumer products in an unexpected way.
*Washi*
Washi is traditional Japanese paper made from the fibres of specific plants such as kozo (paper mulberry), mitsumata, or gampi. Unlike Western paper, which is typically made from wood pulp with short fibres, washi is characterised by its long, interlocking fibres. This unique structure gives washi exceptional strength and flexibility, allowing it to be torn cleanly by hand without the need for scissors or a blade. The torn edge remains straight and neat rather than ragged. Washi is also highly durable and has been used for centuries in various applications, from traditional arts to architectural elements.
1.3 2008: Into a New World
Using their request for "if only there were more colours like this..." as a starting point, a project team was formed and commercialisation proceeded. In 2008, Kamoi Kakoshi launched the "mt" brand with full confidence. The initial line-up was an extremely simple composition of single-colour tape in 20 colours. The company's expectations were not particularly high. There was anxiety about an industrial tape manufacturer developing consumer products. They started cautiously with small-lot production.
However, the market response far exceeded expectations. First-year sales recorded approximately 50 million yen, receiving enthusiastic support from target groups such as stationery enthusiasts, craft hobbyists and designers.
The texture of washi, the convenience of tearing by hand, the utility of repeated repositioning, and the reassurance that no marks remain when applied. Characteristics that had not existed in the stationery market captured users' hearts. Technology that was "ordinary" in automotive factories was "magic" for consumers.
Even when decorating notebooks or albums, it can be removed later. Even when applied to walls as interior decoration, it does not damage wallpaper. Even when used for gift wrapping, it tears easily by hand. The "rigour that permits no failure"of industrial products became the foundation supporting "free creativity" in everyday use.
1.4 A Community Spreading Across the World
In 2023, to commemorate Kamoi Kakoshi's 100th anniversary, an event was held in Kurashiki City that drew over 13,000 enthusiasts from around the world. mt became more than just a product; it became a community connecting creators across the globe.
Collaborations with world-renowned museums such as the British Museum, MoMA and the Louvre, partnerships with over 50 designers annually, and the holding of fan events called "mt expo". All of these elevated the mt brand into a cultural phenomenon.
Interestingly, they had also applied for factory tours at other masking tape manufacturers. However, they were apparently refused by all companies except this one. In some cases, there was not even a response, and they were turned away at the gate. Kamoi Kakoshi was the only company that took their enthusiasm seriously and listened to them earnestly.
Japanese industrial technology is stimulating the creativity of people around the world. Technology refined in the limited worlds of construction sites and automotive factories now supports people's creative expression on desks across the globe.
Chapter 2: Apica "Premium C.D. NOTEBOOK"
37 Years of Dedication in Pursuit of a Silk-Like Writing Experience
Nippon Note Co., Ltd. is a long-established notebook manufacturer founded in 1916 (Taisho 5). The company name "Apica"derives from the Latin word for "honeybee", representing the philosophy of continuously making notebooks meticulously, just as honeybees collect honey drop by drop. Headquartered in Osaka, the company has remained dedicated to "writing" for over 100 years and is particularly renowned for its paper quality and bookbinding techniques. Since its founding, it has pursued "notebooks that stay close to the writer" and enjoys strong support from fountain pen enthusiasts.
2.1 The Birth of a "Gentlemanly Notebook"
Apica's Premium C.D. NOTEBOOK is a long-selling notebook released in 1987. For the text paper, it uses specially made neutral paper from Oji Paper, which is easy to write on and suitable for preservation.
This notebook has the affectionate name "gentlemanly notebook". True to its name, like gentlemen and ladies who are attentive to every detail, dedication is embedded in all the constituent elements of the notebook.
2.2 Silk as the Goal
Rich lustre and smooth texture. Silk, treasured as a noble fabric since ancient times before Christ. We want you to experience that rich touch in a notebook as well. Apica's **"Premium C.D. NOTEBOOK"** is an authentic notebook where you can enjoy a writing experience as smooth as silk.
A.Silky 865 Premium
Paper called "A.Silky 865 Premium" is used, characterised by a writing feel as smooth as the touch of silk. The pure white paper with its supple writing quality becomes addictive with its slippery sensation. Because the pen glides forward, there is little strain, and hands do not tire easily even when writing extensively.
This paper is original writing paper developed for the Premium C.D. NOTEBOOK. Prototypes were repeated many times until achieving a silk-like writing experience where one can write smoothly with both fountain pens and ballpoint pens.
2.3 The Choice of Thread-Sewn Binding
All types of notebooks employ "thread-sewn binding", allowing them to open nearly 180 degrees, with pages not lifting when opened, enabling smooth writing.
Thread-sewn binding is a robust binding method used for items requiring durability, such as diaries and planners. Compared to binding using only adhesive, it requires more labour and cost. Nevertheless, Apica insists on this binding method because of the wish that notebooks be "used for a long time" and "preserved for a long time".
*Thread-sewn Binding / Itokagari Binding*
Whilst thread-sewn binding (also known as Smyth-sewn binding in the West) is a bookbinding technique that exists internationally, in the context of Japanese stationery it represents a particular philosophy of craftsmanship. This method involves sewing together the folded sections (signatures) of a book with thread before attaching the cover, creating an exceptionally durable binding that allows the notebook to open flat to 180 degrees. Although this technique requires significantly more time and cost compared to adhesive-only binding, Japanese manufacturers like Apica choose it because it embodies their commitment to creating products that will last for generations. This reflects the Japanese concept of 'mono-zukuri'—the art of making things with meticulous attention to detail and a deep respect for the relationship between maker, object, and user.
2.4 Another Notebook Continuing Since 1984
Apica has another long-selling product.
The covered notebook "Apica Personal" has accompanied the lives of writers with an unchanging design since its release in 1984. The corner protectors applied to the corners of the cover bring elegance to the notebook's appearance whilst also serving as reinforcement to prevent corner folding and enable long-lasting beautiful use.
A PVC cover is used to protect important records from scratches and dirt. The refined design with gold lettering on a black background stays close to the writer in various situations.
Employing robust thread-sewn binding, it opens well even with many pages, allowing writing without stress.
The Philosophy of "1000-Year Paper"
Apica Personal uses special paper called "specially made neutral paper for writing". This is referred to by the catchphrase "1000-year paper" and is based on the concept of long-term preservation.
What is written, what has been written, can be preserved for a long time. The warmth and thoughts of the user can be preserved for a long time. Apica notebooks are designed not as mere recording media but as life partners.
2.5 37 Years of Unchanging Dedication
More than 37 years since its release in 1987. Apica has continued to pursue the goal of a "silk-like writing experience".
Paper composition, surface treatment, binding method. Everything is adjusted to optimise "the writer's experience". Even from fountain pen enthusiasts, it receives high praise: "ink does not bleed easily", "no show-through", "the pen does not catch".
Not "this is sufficient" but continuing to pursue "we can do better". That attitude has produced a notebook beloved for 37 years.
Chapter 3: Sailor Pen "Naginata-Togi"
One Craftsman Revived a Technique on the Verge of Disappearance
3.1 The Technique Called Naginata-Togi
Sailor Pen Co., Ltd., headquartered in Koto Ward, Tokyo, with a factory in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, is a long-established writing instrument manufacturer founded in 1911. The company is renowned for its unique nib "naginata-togi", adapted to Japanese brush culture, and is highly acclaimed worldwide as a shape that can beautifully express the "tome, hane, harai" of kanji characters. It was the legendary craftsman Nagahara Noriyoshi who revived this technique.
"Naginata-togi" is a nib developed to write kanji characters most beautifully, with their many stops, flicks and sweeps. It has the characteristic that when the pen is laid flat, thick lines can be written, and when held upright, thin lines can be written.
Its shape is ground long like the blade tip of a Japanese sword called naginata. This distinctive shape made it possible to achieve brush-like expression with a fountain pen. Fountain pens, born in the West, were originally designed to write the alphabet. The alphabet is a writing system with largely consistent line thickness and little variation in pen pressure. However, Japanese kanji and hiragana are characters that developed on the premise of being written with a brush. The variation in line strength and thickness is the essence of their beauty, and Western-style fountain pens had limitations in expressing this.
Naginata-togi is a technique born to respond to this aesthetic sense unique to Japanese. By grinding the nib long, one becomes able to freely control line thickness according to pen pressure and angle. When writing vertical lines, the pen is held upright for thin lines; when writing horizontal lines or sweeps, the pen is laid flat for thick lines. This brush-like expressiveness brought Japanese calligraphy culture into the world of fountain pens.
*Naginata-togi / Naginata Grind*
Naginata-togi is a specialised Japanese technique for grinding fountain pen nibs, developed specifically to accommodate the characteristics of Japanese writing. The name derives from the naginata, a traditional Japanese polearm, as the nib is ground into an elongated shape resembling the weapon's blade. This distinctive shape allows the writer to create variations in line width by adjusting the pen's angle and pressure—when held upright, it produces fine lines suitable for vertical strokes, whilst when laid at a flatter angle, it creates broader lines for horizontal strokes and sweeping motions. This versatility enables fountain pens to replicate the expressive qualities of traditional brush calligraphy, making them ideal for writing kanji and hiragana characters.
*Naginata*
A naginata is a traditional Japanese polearm consisting of a long wooden shaft with a curved blade mounted at one end. The weapon was historically used by samurai and particularly by women of the samurai class for defending their homes. The blade's distinctive elongated, curved shape inspired the name of the naginata-togi fountain pen nib grinding technique.
*Tome, Hane, Harai*
These are three fundamental brush techniques in Japanese calligraphy (shodo) that are essential for writing beautiful kanji and hiragana characters. 'Tome' (stop) refers to a firm, decisive ending to a stroke; 'hane' (flick) describes a quick upward flick at the end of a stroke; and 'harai' (sweep) indicates a gradual tapering sweep that thins as the brush leaves the paper. These techniques create the variations in line thickness and dynamic movement that define the aesthetic beauty of Japanese writing. Western alphabets, which typically maintain consistent line width, do not require these techniques, making them uniquely Japanese concepts in the world of writing.
*Shodo*
Shodo, literally meaning 'the way of writing', is the traditional Japanese art of calligraphy. It is not merely decorative writing but is considered a disciplined art form and spiritual practice. Practitioners use a brush (fude), ink (sumi), and special paper (hanshi) to create characters with aesthetic and expressive qualities. Shodo emphasises the balance, rhythm, and flow of each stroke, with the variations in pressure and speed creating subtle gradations in line thickness. The art form has been practised in Japan for over a thousand years and remains an important part of Japanese cultural education and artistic expression.
3.2 A Vanished Technique, Then Revival
Naginata-togi, passed down from the time of the company's founding in 1911, temporarily disappeared as mass production of fountain pens advanced after the war and nib processing became increasingly mechanised. However, the technique was passed on by pen craftsmen Koyama Gunichi, Nagahara Noriyoshi and others.
Around 1991, taking customer feedback into account and aiming for "a fountain pen that can write even at an angle", Nagahara Noriyoshi revived it as the modern naginata-togi by further improving the grinding method from the time of the company's founding.
Nagahara Noriyoshi was a craftsman who continued to believe in the value of handwork amidst the wave of mechanisation. Without him, naginata-togi would have disappeared into history.
3.3 One by One, at the Hiroshima Factory
The shape of the nib is finished with a whetstone. The ground nib is then polished by pressing it against cloth rollers for lustre and scratch removal (feather cloth polishing).
After immersing the nib assembled in the section in hot water and deforming it until the feed adheres to the nib without gaps (aburi), final adjustments are made with fingertips using a microscope for each individual nib, checking for vertical misalignment, left-right gaps, and gaps with the feed.
To ensure there are no impediments to writing, each individual nib undergoes actual writing confirmation using diluted ink.
At the factory in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, craftsmen face each individual nib today as well.
3.4 The Choice of 21-Karat Gold
Sailor Pen adopts 21-karat gold nibs, providing greater elasticity compared to 14-karat or 18-karat gold, which are common for fountain pen nibs. The structure is such that even when strong pen pressure is applied, the slit in the nib does not open, making ink starvation less likely to occur.
This writing feel called "feather touch" is only realised when the gold alloy ratio, heat treatment technique and grinding angle are all combined.
Sailor Pen has won multiple awards, including "Best Writing Experience" (the fountain pen with the best writing feel), for seven consecutive years from 2018 to 2024 in reader polls of Pen World, a specialist American magazine for luxury writing instruments.
Japanese craftsmanship is recognised by fountain pen enthusiasts with the most discerning eyes in the world.
Chapter 4: What Japanese Technology Conveys to the World
4.1 Turning "Cannot" into "Can"
The mt Story: The unconventional idea of "industrial tape for decoration?" created a new market. By re-examining existing technology from a different perspective, value that no one had conceived of is born.
The Apica Story: Setting the high goal of a "silk-like writing experience", they continued improvements for 37 years. Dedication to paper quality, the labour-intensive method of thread-sewn binding, and the philosophy of "1000-year paper". The attitude of not giving up on technical difficulties and continuing to pursue "the joy of writing" produced an authentic notebook supported even by fountain pen enthusiasts.
The Naginata-Togi Story: Amidst the prevailing attitude that "handwork is unnecessary in the age of mechanisation", one craftsman continued to protect the technique. As a result, fountain pen enthusiasts from around the world visit Japan seeking "a writing experience obtainable only in Japan".
4.2 The Spirit That Seeks Perfection
What is common to Japanese stationery is the relentless pursuit of **"perfection"**.
- mt can be repositioned over ten times.
- Apica has pursued a "silk-like writing experience" for 37 years.
- Naginata-togi inspects each individual nib under a microscope.
Not "this is sufficient" but continuing to pursue "we can do better". That attitude produces products that captivate people around the world.
4.3 From the Craftsman's Hand to the World
Another characteristic common to the three companies is that they value **"human hands"**.
Parts that can be mechanised are left to machines. However, final quality confirmation, subtle adjustments and new challenges are always performed by human hands. The experience and perception residing in those **"human hands"** make Japanese stationery special.
Conclusion
Industrial masking tape became decorative tape, notebooks with adhesive binding evolved into authentic notebooks with thread-sewn binding, and naginata-togi on the verge of disappearance was revived in the modern era.
These stories demonstrate three strengths that Japanese manufacturing possesses:
The power to adapt technology: flexibility to utilise existing technology from new perspectives.
The tenacity to continue improving: the attitude of pursuing "perfection" and never compromising.
The craftsman's hand: human perception and experience that machines cannot replicate.
Japanese stationery is not merely "tools". It is the embodiment of the Japanese **"spirit"**. Attention to detail, consideration for the user, and the passion to "make it better".
This is why people around the world are drawn to Japanese stationery.