10 Best Beautiful Washi Tape Designs from Japan That Every American Scrapbooker and Artist Should Own
Japanese washi tape has become a beloved staple among scrapbookers, artists, and craft enthusiasts worldwide, and for good reason. Known for its delicate texture, vibrant designs, and high-quality materials, washi tape from Japan elevates any creative project. But with countless options flooding the market, how do you choose the best? This list curates 10 exceptional washi tape designs made in Japan, focusing on authenticity, artistry, and usability. Each tape featured is verified to be manufactured in Japan, ensuring genuine craftsmanship and superior quality. Prices reflect typical ranges available to American consumers.
1. MT Masking Tape – Classic Floral Collection
MT Masking Tape is arguably the pioneer of modern washi tape, and their Classic Floral Collection remains a favorite. These tapes feature timeless floral patterns inspired by traditional Japanese motifs, printed on thin yet durable washi paper. The semi-translucent texture allows layering effects, perfect for adding subtle elegance to journals and collages. The adhesive is repositionable, leaving no sticky residue, which makes it ideal for delicate paper crafts.
Why it’s special: MT’s legacy and commitment to quality shine through with this collection. The delicate floral designs are versatile for both vintage and modern scrapbooking themes.
Price range: $4–$6 per roll (15mm x 10m)
2. Kamoi Kakoshi – Animal Parade Series
Kamoi Kakoshi, the parent company behind MT Masking Tape, also produces unique designs under their own brand. The Animal Parade Series captures whimsical depictions of Japanese wildlife and mythical creatures in vibrant colors. The detailed prints showcase fine craftsmanship and artistic flair, making each tape roll a tiny canvas of Japanese culture and nature.
Why it’s special: The blend of traditional and playful imagery makes these tapes perfect for artists seeking to add cultural storytelling to their projects.
Price range: $5–$7 per roll (15mm x 10m)
3. King Jim Himekuri Washi Tape – Seasonal Patterns
King Jim, a renowned Japanese stationery brand, offers the Himekuri Washi Tape series which celebrates the changing seasons with delicate patterns like cherry blossoms, autumn leaves, and snowflakes. Made from high-quality washi paper sourced within Japan, these tapes have a soft matte finish and excellent tearability, making them a joy to work with in planners and scrapbooks alike.
Why it’s special: The focus on seasonality perfectly complements artists who appreciate nature-inspired themes tied to real-world cycles.
Price range: $3.50–$5 per roll (15mm x 7m)
4. Mind Wave – Kawaii Character Collection
Mind Wave is known for its fun and adorable stationery products. Their Kawaii Character Collection of washi tapes includes charming designs featuring cute animals, food items, and everyday objects with a distinctly Japanese pop culture aesthetic. Printed with vibrant ink on flexible washi paper, these tapes are perfect for adding personality and joy to planners, notebooks, and art journals.
Why it’s special: The playful, colorful designs resonate with younger scrapbookers and artists who want to inject some whimsy into their creations.
Price range: $3–$5 per roll (15mm x 7m)
5. Kamio Japan – Traditional Patterns Collection
Kamio Japan offers a wide range of washi tapes, but their Traditional Patterns Collection stands out for its homage to classic Japanese textile and art designs. Featuring motifs such as seigaiha waves, asanoha hemp leaves, and sakura blossoms, these tapes bring an authentic Japanese aesthetic to any project. The tapes are made using traditional printing techniques combined with modern washi paper quality.
Looking for Sakura blossoms?
Why it’s special: Perfect for artists who want to incorporate authentic Japanese cultural elements into their work with subtle elegance.
Price range: $4–$6 per roll (15mm x 10m)
6. MT x Studio Ghibli Collaboration Series
This exclusive collaboration between MT Masking Tape and Studio Ghibli brings beloved characters like Totoro, Kiki, and the Catbus to life on washi tape. With intricate designs and soft pastel color palettes, these tapes not only appeal to fans of the iconic animation studio but also to artists looking for magical, storybook-style embellishments. The tapes maintain MT’s high standards for quality and print clarity.
Why it’s special: Combines legendary Japanese animation culture with premium washi tape craftsmanship, perfect for themed scrapbooks and creative projects.
Price range: $6–$8 per roll (15mm x 10m)
7. Kamoi Kakoshi – Metallic Washi Tape Series
For those seeking a bit of sparkle, Kamoi Kakoshi’s Metallic Washi Tape Series introduces gold, silver, and rose gold accents embedded into traditional washi tape. Ideal for holiday cards, invitations, and art projects needing a luxe touch, these tapes combine shimmer with the soft texture of washi. Despite their elegant look, they retain excellent adhesive qualities and flexibility.
Why it’s special: Adds a premium, festive flair to any craft while retaining the beloved qualities of genuine Japanese washi tape.
Price range: $7–$9 per roll (15mm x 10m)
8. Itoya – Minimalist Geometry Collection
Itoya, a respected Japanese stationery brand, offers a Minimalist Geometry Collection that appeals to modern artists and scrapbookers who prefer clean lines and subtle patterns. The washi tapes feature simple shapes like triangles, circles, and stripes in muted color palettes. Made with premium Japanese washi paper, these tapes provide an understated yet stylish look for contemporary projects.
Why it’s special: Perfect for minimalist and modern art styles, these tapes offer versatility without overwhelming the page.
Price range: $4–$6 per roll (15mm x 10m)
9. Nara Washi – Handmade Traditional Washi Tape
Nara Washi represents a more artisanal approach, with tapes crafted from handmade washi paper produced in Nara Prefecture, Japan. These tapes often feature natural fiber textures and hand-applied designs, making each roll unique. While pricier, the tactile quality and authenticity make them prized by serious artists and scrapbookers who value traditional methods and materials.
Why it’s special: Offers a genuine handmade experience and organic texture unmatched by mass-produced tapes.
Price range: $10–$15 per roll (15mm x 7m)
10. Mind Wave – Vintage Botanical Prints
Another gem from Mind Wave, the Vintage Botanical Prints series, features detailed illustrations of flowers, leaves, and herbs drawn in an antique style. These tapes are ideal for nature journals, vintage-themed scrapbooks, and botanical art. Printed in Japan, the colors are rich yet soft, and the tape tears easily by hand without curling.
Why it’s special: Combines vintage charm with Japanese print quality, perfect for nature lovers and classic art styles.
Price range: $4–$6 per roll (15mm x 7m)
Honorable Mentions
- Plus Stationery Decorative Tape – Known for pastel color sets and smooth application ($3–$5)
- Daiso Japan Washi Tape – Affordable, widely available tapes with simple designs ($1–$2)
- MT x Yokai Watch Collaboration – For fans of Japanese pop culture and collectible designs ($5–$7)
How to Choose the Best Japanese Washi Tape for Your Projects
When selecting washi tape from Japan, consider the following factors to ensure it suits your creative needs:
- Design Theme: Choose tapes that match your project’s aesthetic—whether traditional, whimsical, minimal, or vintage.
- Quality and Tearability: Authentic Japanese washi tape is easy to tear by hand and applies smoothly without residue.
- Adhesive Strength: Look for tapes with repositionable adhesives if you want flexibility, or stronger adhesion for permanent projects.
- Length and Width: Consider how much tape you’ll need; 10m rolls are common but shorter rolls are good for sampling.
- Price Point: Handmade tapes cost more but offer unique textures; mass-produced options are budget-friendly and widely available.
Conclusion
Japanese washi tape offers a beautiful blend of artistry, culture, and craftsmanship that can elevate any scrapbook or art project. From the iconic MT Masking Tape floral designs to the handmade elegance of Nara Washi, these tapes provide endless creative possibilities. By choosing authentic Japanese washi tapes verified for quality and origin, craft enthusiasts can enrich their projects with genuine touches of Japan’s rich creative heritage. Whether you’re decorating a planner, making handmade cards, or assembling a mixed media masterpiece, these 10 washi tape designs are must-haves for your craft collection.