The iconic 5008 OSAKA Chair from the centenary brand ADICO, designed by Japanese architect Kengo Kuma for the Portugal Pavilion at Expo 2025 Osaka, where it is part of the esplanade area, is now arriving in Portugal, being presented at the Casa da Arquitectura in Matosinhos.
The piece is part of the exhibition “Kengo Kuma: Onomatopeia,” which will be open to the public from October 4, 2025, to March 8, 2026. It showcases the creative universe of one of the most internationally recognized architects today.
The 5008 OSAKA is a contemporary reinterpretation of the historic Portuguese Chair (5008), created in the first half of the 20th century and a symbol of ADICO. The model preserves the essence of the original design, enhanced by Kengo Kuma’s minimalist sensitivity.
ADICO manufactured the 5008 OSAKA entirely in metal. The architect describes it as a piece that blends with the landscape, reflecting colors, light, and shadows. Its simplicity and transparency reflect the Japanese pursuit of harmony with nature, while its solidity and precision evoke the Portuguese tradition of durability and authenticity.
By integrating the esplanade of the Portugal Pavilion at Expo Osaka, the chair symbolises the dialogue between Portugal and Japan, representing a shared respect for materials, craftsmanship, and the beauty of essentials — a metaphor for the Pavilion's theme: “Ocean, the Blue Dialogue”.
A parallel program invites the public to explore various expressions of Japanese culture, including guided tours, workshops, performances, concerts, and traditional ceremonies. This program fosters encounters between architecture, art, and ritual.
