A Beginner’s Guide to Using Japanese Washi Tape in Art Journals and Creative Planners

Introduction

Washi tape, a staple in Japanese stationery culture, has found a special place in the hearts of artists, journalers, and planners worldwide. Originating from traditional Japanese paper-making techniques, these decorative tapes combine beauty and functionality, elevating everyday creativity. For American audiences keen on enhancing their art journals and creative planners, understanding the nuances of washi tape is a game changer.

Why This Matters

Washi tape is not just decorative—it’s a tool that inspires mindfulness, organization, and artistic expression. Unlike standard adhesive tapes, washi tapes are crafted from natural fibers such as mulberry bark, giving them a unique texture and ease of use. Their gentle adhesive ensures repositionability without damaging paper—a crucial factor for delicate art journal pages and planners. Additionally, the rich cultural heritage embedded in washi tape designs offers a window into Japanese aesthetics and craftsmanship.

Main Content

What is Japanese Washi Tape?

Washi tape is a thin, decorative masking tape made from traditional Japanese paper called washi. This paper is produced using fibers from the inner bark of trees like the kozo (mulberry), mitsumata, and gampi plants. These natural fibers make the tape durable yet lightweight, and easy to tear by hand. Unlike plastic tapes, washi tape is breathable and eco-friendly, aligning with the Japanese philosophy of harmony with nature.

How to Use Washi Tape in Art Journals and Planners

Step 1: Choose the Right Washi Tape

• Texture & Thickness: For art journals, thicker tapes with textured patterns add depth, while planners benefit from thinner, subtler tapes for functional accents.
• Designs & Themes: Select tapes that resonate with your journal’s theme—floral, geometric, traditional Japanese motifs, or minimalist patterns.
• Size Matters: Washi tapes come in various widths, typically from 0.4 inches (10 mm) to 2 inches (50 mm). Use wider tapes for borders or page backgrounds and narrower tapes for accents or flags.

Step 2: Prepare Your Journal or Planner

Before applying washi tape, ensure your journal pages are flat and clean. Avoid applying tape on overly textured or wet surfaces for better adhesion and longevity.

Step 3: Application Techniques

• Borders & Frames: Use washi tape to create stylish borders around your pages or around specific sections to highlight important information.
• Page Tabs & Flags: Cut small pieces to mark pages or events in your planner, making navigation easier and visually appealing.
• Layering and Collaging: Overlap different tapes for a collage effect, integrating photos, notes, or stickers.
• Masking & Highlighting: Use tape to mask off areas when working with watercolors or inks, or highlight to-do lists and deadlines.

Step 4: Removing or Repositioning

One hallmark of Japanese washi tape is its gentle adhesive, allowing you to reposition without damaging your pages. If you need to move or remove tape, peel it off slowly at a 45-degree angle to maintain integrity.

Care Tips for Washi Tape in Your Journals and Planners

• Keep your journal dry; moisture can weaken the adhesive.
• Avoid excessive rubbing or folding of tape sections.
• Store unused tape in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight to preserve colors.

Japanese Washi Tape Brands Worth Exploring

Japan’s stationery market is rich with washi tape producers, each offering unique qualities:

• MT Masking Tape – The pioneer brand known for high-quality, versatile designs made in Japan.
• Daiso Japan – Affordable options with a variety of patterns, great for beginners.
• Kamoi Kakoshi – The manufacturer of MT Tape, also offering a selection of unique patterns beyond the MT brand.
• Mind Wave – Known for cute, character-based designs perfect for playful planners.

Pro Tips from Japan

From our extensive experience testing washi tapes in Japan’s outdoor and creative spaces, here are some expert insights:

• Use Washi Tape for Temporary Gear Labels: When camping with brands like Snow Peak (HQ: Niigata, Japan), we’ve found washi tape excellent for marking gear temporarily without leaving residue.
• Combine Washi Tape Art with Nature Journals: Japanese outdoor enthusiasts often integrate washi tape into their nature journals to add color-coded notes or decorative accents that survive outdoor conditions.
• Layer Washi Tape on Durable Notebooks: For those who prefer rugged notebooks like the Uni Mitsu Jetstream Notebook (note: 80gsm coated paper, not standard paper), layering washi tape adds personality without compromising durability.
• Use Washi Tape as a Weather-Resistant Decor: While washi tape is not waterproof, applying a thin protective spray (such as a matte fixative) can help it withstand light outdoor moisture, useful when planning trips or journaling outdoors.

Recommended Products

• MT Masking Tape Set (Approx. $15–$25): A curated collection of assorted designs, perfect for beginners and advanced users alike. Available on Amazon and specialty stationery stores.
• Kamoi Kakoshi Limited Edition Washi Tape (Approx. $8 per roll): Exclusive Japanese patterns, often inspired by traditional arts and seasonal motifs.
• Uni Mitsu Jetstream Notebook (Approx. $12–$18): Though primarily a pen line from Mitsubishi Pencil Co., their coated paper notebooks pair beautifully with washi tape for planners.
• Snow Peak Outdoor Journal (Approx. $30): Designed for durability and style, this journal complements washi tape use with its high-quality paper and rugged design.
• Daiso Japan Washi Tape Packs (Approx. $1.50–$3 per roll): Budget-friendly and widely varied, ideal for those testing out washi tape for the first time.

Conclusion

Japanese washi tape offers a delightful blend of tradition, beauty, and functionality that can transform your art journals and creative planners. Its ease of use, repositionability, and cultural richness make it a must-have for anyone looking to add a unique touch to their creative projects. Whether you’re documenting daily life, planning your next outdoor adventure, or simply exploring your artistic side, washi tape from Japan is a versatile and inspiring tool. We recommend them as essential stationery companions for American users seeking quality and authenticity.