An installation by Diogo Machado (ADD FUEL) using Portugal’s traditional decorative tiles, azulejos, titled “A JANELA (The Window)”, will be on permanent display at the INAX Live Museum in Aichi starting November 28.
Originally commissioned by the Portuguese Tourism Board for outdoor display at the Portugal Pavilion of the 2025 World Expo Japan (Osaka-Kansai Expo), the work embodies the Expo’s focus on sustainable operation and efficient resource use. After seeking a permanent home for the piece, the Tourism Board offered it to the INAX Live Museum, known as the “Tile Museum of the World,” where it will now remain as a lasting exhibition.
The donated installation “A JANELA (The Window)” was created by Portuguese contemporary artist Diogo Machado (ADD FUEL). In developing the work, Machado researched Japanese culture and focused on traditional motifs such as Seigaiha (blue ocean waves), clouds, Genjiguruma (carriage wheels), Hanabishi (floral diamonds), dragons, torii gates, and tomoe patterns.
He respectfully reinterpreted these motifs and fused them with Portugal’s decorative tile culture, creating a piece that embodies a dialogue between the two nations. The open window motif serves as a symbolic “window” connecting Portugal and Japan. This installation marks Machado’s first permanent exhibition in Japan.
A JANELA
Artwork Information – “A JANELA” by Diogo Machado (ADD FUEL)
- Artist: Diogo Machado (ADD FUEL)
- Year: 2025
- Dimensions: W182 × D63 × H244 cm
- Materials: Tiles (552 pieces), aluminum frame, stainless steel
- Tile Manufacturer: Viúva Lamego
- First Exhibition: 2025 World Expo Japan, Portugal Pavilion
- Donor: Portuguese Tourism Board
Public Display: From Friday, November 28, 2025
Location: INAX Live Museum, Main Approach (Parking Lot 2)
URL: https://livingculture.lixil.com/ilm/see/spot/#spot-section01
INAX Live Museum
- Address: 1-130 Okueicho, Tokoname, Aichi 479-8586, Japan
- Tel: 0569-34-8282 | Fax: 0569-34-8283
- Closed: Wednesdays (open on holidays), Year-end & New Year: Dec 26, 2025 – Jan 4, 2026
- Special Opening: Dec 24, 2025
- Admission Fees (tax included): Adults: ¥1,000 | Students: ¥800 | Junior & Senior High: ¥500 | Elementary: ¥250
- Website: https://livingculture.lixil.com/ilm/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LIXIL.culture
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lixil_inaxmuseums/
The INAX Live Museum, established by LIXIL in Tokoname, Aichi, is a cultural facility centered on ceramic technology. The museum comprises seven interactive venues:
- Kiln Plaza & Reference Hall
- World Tile Museum*
- Toilet Culture Hall
- Origins of Architectural Ceramics Hall
- Soil & Mud Hall
- Tōraku Workshop
- Pottery Workshop
The museum showcases the history, culture, and beauty of ceramics through exhibitions, workshops, and hands-on experiences.
*The World Tile Museum houses over 7,000 decorative tiles from ancient times to the modern era, preserving the history and culture of tiles while sharing their artistic and cultural appeal through exhibitions.
