The King Of Masking Tape

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I’m a creature of habit, meaning I’ve been wrapping gifts in the same mega roll of brown kraft paper for years now. I’m also non-crafty, so any mistakes I make are promptly covered up with the vibrant patterns and hues of Japanese masking tape. And it’s inevitable – I break open my stash to wrap one gift and suddenly, the tape beckons me and I’ve covered everything in it: my inspiration board, my sunglasses, my shoes. My dog. And after seeing the work of art director Koji Iyama, I have a feeling we’d get along famously.

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For over a decade, Koji has been making the world a more beautiful place through his graphic design and art installations, but his most recent collaboration with MT (the official mecca for Japanese masking tape) is taking the cake. (The very colorful, patterned, taped-to-the-nines cake, that is.)

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From store openings to kids’ workshops, Koji has taped his way through Japan and beyond, infusing surprising shades and textures wherever he lands.

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Even Hiroshima’s main train station bears Koji’s fingerprints, covered in candy-coated color for commuting delight.

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Bikes, cars, storefronts – nothing is exempt from Koji’s sticky, crazy-talented hands.

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And it’s a perfect picture, isn’t it? How the mark of one human and his signature tool can spread so much joy into the world, painting a brighter story with each layer of creative purpose.

Image Credits: Koji Iyama

p.s. Masking tape art from Kees Goudzwaar.

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