Washi Tape 101: From Japanese Paper to Your Journal (+21 Creative Ideas)
Quick answer: Washi tape is a thin, low-tack decorative tape originally made from washi – traditional Japanese paper made from plant fibres like kōzo (paper mulberry). It tears by hand, can be repositioned and usually peels off cleanly, which makes it perfect for journals, planners, gift wrapping and hampers. The decorative version was born in Japan in the mid-2000s, when three artists wrote to a masking-tape factory.
Key takeaways
- "Washi" (和紙) simply means Japanese paper.
- Washi papermaking is on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list (since November 2014).
- Decorative washi tape started around 2006–2008 with the Japanese brand mt.
- It uses a low-tack adhesive, so you can lift and reposition it.
A paper with 1,300 years of history
Papermaking reached Japan with Buddhism in about the 7th century. During the Heian period (794–1185), Japanese makers developed nagashizuki – dipping a wooden screen into fibre pulp again and again while gently shaking it – which produces paper that is thin yet remarkably strong. Washi is usually made from three plants: kōzo, mitsumata and ganpi.
Some washi is so pure that it doesn't turn yellow in sunlight – it actually becomes whiter under ultraviolet light. That's why museums use washi to repair old books, paintings and even to help restore Vatican frescoes.
The UNESCO connection
On 27 November 2014, "Washi, craftsmanship of traditional Japanese hand-made paper" was added to UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage list. It covers three papers – Sekishu-banshi, Hon-minoshi and Hosokawa-shi – all made only from kōzo. Hon-minoshi papermakers train for at least 10 years.
From flypaper to fashion: the birth of washi tape
The company behind the famous mt brand, Kamoi Kakoshi, was founded in 1923 in Kurashiki, Japan – and its first sticky tapes were flypaper. From the 1960s it made industrial masking tape for painters and car makers. Then, in 2006, three women from Tokyo – a collage artist, a gallery owner and a café manager – sent the factory a handmade book of art made with masking tape and asked for prettier colours. The company launched a set of 20 colours soon after (sources say 2007 or 2008), won Japan's Good Design Award in 2008, and a global craft trend was born.
Why washi tape doesn't ruin your pages
Washi tape uses a low-tack adhesive – weaker than regular sticky tape – so it holds firmly but lifts off cleanly, often without residue. It is semi-translucent, has a matte surface and you can write on it with pens and markers. Tip: many budget "washi" tapes are made of regular paper or PET film, so always test on delicate or painted surfaces first.
21 creative ways to use washi tape
Journaling and study
- Frame journal pages with borders
- Make colour-coded tabs for notebooks and textbooks
- Create a weekly planner grid
- Label subjects on notebook spines
- Stick flashcards to your wall without damaging paint
- Mark important pages in reference books
- Decorate plain pencils and pens
Gifting and hampers
- Seal envelopes and gift wraps
- Make name tags for return gifts
- Decorate plain kraft paper into custom wrapping
- Close treat bags at birthday parties
- Add stripes to hamper boxes
- Make DIY greeting-card borders
- Label homemade sweets for Diwali
Home and décor
- Hang photos and polaroids on the wall
- Decorate a laptop or phone case (removable!)
- Colour-code cables and chargers
- Label spice jars and storage boxes
- Make a washi-tape calendar on the fridge
- Decorate diyas holders and candle jars
- Create easy wall art for a kid's room
FAQs
What is washi tape made of?
Traditionally, thin washi paper made from plant fibres such as kōzo, mitsumata or ganpi, with a low-tack adhesive. Some cheaper tapes use regular paper or PET film.
Is washi tape removable?
Usually yes. It's designed to be low-tack and peel off cleanly, but test it on painted walls or delicate paper first.
Who invented washi tape?
Decorative washi tape began with Japan's Kamoi Kakoshi (mt brand) after three Tokyo artists asked for colourful masking tape in 2006.
Can you write on washi tape?
Yes – its matte surface takes pens, pencils and markers, which makes it great for labels.
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