MT vs BGM Washi Tape Comparison: Which Brand Fits Your Style?

July 11 2025, by ZenPop Japan, 19 min reading time

Explore the true difference between two icons of Japanese washi tape.

In the colorful world of washi tape, MT and BGM stand as two of Japan’s most beloved and innovative brands. Though both offer premium quality and design, they serve very different needs and creative expressions. Whether you're decorating your journal, planning your next DIY project, or simply hunting for beautiful stationery, this washi tape comparison will help you find your perfect match.

Let's take a closer look at specific product series from each brand so you can make an informed and inspired choice.

BGM: Artful Stationery for the Heart and Page

Based in Tokyo, BGM is known for its deeply aesthetic, thematic washi tapes and sticker products. It’s a stationery brand designed for joy, self-expression, and detail.

Signature BGM Product Series

Life Series

Watercolor-style illustrations with everyday themes like flowers, tea time, windows, street corners, and more.
Often features gold foil stamping for added elegance.
Ideal for: bullet journaling, diary pages, mood boards.

BGM Life Series Flake Sticker

Animal Series

Featuring popular characters like cats, penguins, bears, and whimsical creatures.
“Kissa Kuroneko” (Black Cat Café) and “Fushigi Zoo” are fan favorites.

View Series / 空図鑑 (Sky Encyclopedia)

Tapes inspired by celestial views, seasons, and scenic landscapes.
Often dreamy and introspective—perfect for poetic journaling spreads.

BGM Sky Encyclopedia masking tape

Letter Series

Delicate designs meant for mail art, envelope sealing, and penpal aesthetics.

Foil Stamp Series

Adds a metallic shimmer to tapes—often used in seasonal or premium collections like “Sakura Gold,” “Evening Garden,” or “Starry Night.”

Clear PET & Tracing Paper Series

Transparent or semi-transparent, ideal for layering in planners or over paper without overpowering backgrounds.

Sticker Series

Includes flake stickers, seal stickers, clear sticker sheets, and 2.5D stickers—a playful dimensional set that feels like mini toys for adults.
Also includes idol-themed stickers popular among fans attending Japanese pop culture events.

If your goal in a washi tape comparison is finding rich, story-driven visuals and tactile enjoyment, BGM is the brand that brings emotion and art to every roll.

MT: The Original Washi Tape Innovator

MT (masking tape), produced by Kamoi Kakoshi, was the first brand to transform industrial masking tape into decorative washi tape. Their innovation hasn’t stopped since—they’ve continued to evolve the medium into something beautifully functional, often far beyond the scope of traditional stationery.

Signature MT Product Series

mt (Standard Series)

Includes their most iconic designs: solid colors, polka dots, stripes, grids, and basic patterns.
This is the go-to for everyday planners and crafts.

mt ex (Extra Series)

A more experimental line, featuring themes like old maps, botanical sketches, Japanese patterns, and museum collaborations.
A favorite for collage artists and scrapbookers.

mt ARTIST SERIES

Collaborations with illustrators and designers from Japan and around the world.
Past releases have included artists like Makoto Kagoshima, Lisa Larson, Donna Wilson, and Marimekko.
Full of unique, collectible designs.

mt CASA

A home decor-specific line that includes large-scale washi tapes for walls, furniture, glass, and floors.

Sub-series include:

CASA shade for window
CASA FLEECE for wall and floor
CASA paintable tape for wall
CASA remake sheet for furniture
CASA Atsukuchi, remake sheet square and seal for decoration
CASA lining for undercoat

mt UPcycle Series

Eco-conscious tapes made from 70% of recycled coffee filter paper.
Unique texture and matte finish, part of MT’s sustainable design effort.
Won the Best Masking Tape prize for Japanese Stationery Awards 2025

mt Writable Series

Designed for labeling, journaling, or messaging. You can write on them easily with pens or markers.

mt chigihari workshop set (tear and stick)

thin and easy to tear off by hand.
Ideal for art creating.

Special Function Tape Series and Gift Box set

Chalkboard tape (mt Blackboard)
Stain-resistant tape
Photo studio tape
mt for Kids & Elderly use cases

For anyone doing a washi tape comparison with an eye toward functionality, MT offers a robust and surprising array of solutions for creative and practical use.

MT also offers gift sets, making them an ideal gift for anyone who loves high-quality washi tape or is just starting to explore its creative possibilities.

Side-by-Side Comparison: MT vs BGM

Category	BGM	MT
Core Focus	Visual beauty for planners and journals	Functional creativity + design innovation
Design Style	Illustrated, dreamy, soft, kawaii	Clean, minimal, pattern-focused, artistic collabs
Best Use Cases	Journaling, mood boards, decorating letters	DIY, labeling, home decor, photography, gift wrapping
Materials	Washi, PET, tracing paper, foil	Washi (standard, large), fleece, recycled paper
Special Features	Foil accents, 2.5D tactile stickers, fan event goods	Chalkboard, stain-proof, writable, sustainable tape
Price Range	¥200–¥700 per roll/pack	Varies widely depending on series and size (¥110–¥2,000)

Final Thoughts: Your Washi, Your World

So… which washi tape brand is better?

The truth is: they serve different passions.

Choose BGM if you’re drawn to storytelling, illustration, cute or elegant themes, and you love building scenes on paper.
Choose MT if you appreciate functional beauty, enjoy practical crafts and renovations, or want durable tape for more than just notebooks.

Whether you’re a seasoned collector or just beginning your washi tape journey, doing a thoughtful washi tape comparison can unlock a new layer of joy in your creative process.

Looking to try both brands?

ZenPop curates a beautiful selection of Japanese stationery, including top picks from MT and BGM. Check out the 7 tips on how to start your washi tape collection for more inspiration!

Explore your style through washi—and make your next creation uniquely yours.