Question 1

What actually makes washi tape different from ordinary masking tape?

Accepted Answer

Traditional washi is made from long plant fibres such as mulberry (kozo), mitsumata or gampi, giving a thin sheet unusual tensile strength. In tape form it tears cleanly by hand, stays flexible around curves, accepts pencil and most gel or fineliner inks, and lifts from paper with far less tearing than crepe-paper painter's tape.

Question 2

How many pieces are in a typical Japanese sticker flake pack?

Accepted Answer

Most flake packs from makers such as BGM, Mindwave and Furukawashiko contain 40 to 50 die-cut pieces across roughly 8 to 20 distinct designs in a printed paper sleeve. Foil packs carry a gold or silver stamped layer on selected pieces, and we always state the foil colour because gold and silver read very differently on warm cream journal paper.

Question 3

Will washi tape damage notebook pages or photographs?

Accepted Answer

Japanese washi tape uses a low-tack acrylic adhesive intended for repositioning, so on decent journal paper it usually lifts within a day or two without tearing fibres. On paper below about 60 gsm, long-stored tape, or photographic prints, removal can lift a layer, so corner mounts or a backing card are safer for irreplaceable items.

Question 4

Can I write on top of washi and PET tape?

Accepted Answer

Yes on washi: pencil, gel pens and most pigment fineliners work well, although fountain-pen ink may feather on coated finishes. PET film is non-absorbent, so use an oil-based paint marker or alcohol-ink marker and allow full drying time; water-based ink will bead and smudge.

Question 5

Why do so many Japanese designs sell out and never return?

Accepted Answer

Japanese stationery makers work to seasonal release calendars with deliberately small production runs, and collaboration designs are often licensed for a single print. Once a batch is distributed it is generally not reprinted, which is why we maintain a dedicated rare and discontinued section.

Question 6

How should washi tape and sticker flakes be stored?

Accepted Answer

Keep rolls and flake packs out of direct sunlight and away from large humidity swings, because heat softens adhesive and UV fades foil and dye. Standing rolls upright in a shallow drawer or tin, and keeping flake packs flat in their sleeves, preserves edges and adhesion for years.