For a hundred years, INAX has created aesthetic ceramic tiles and bathroom products with one unwavering passion: to enable everyone to live well.
With an unmatched mastery in understanding the properties of clay and harnessing the power of water, we continue our pursuit of craftsmanship, maximizing the blessings of nature.
Building on our heritage in ceramics, we offer intricate tiles in various forms and hues that add a touch of warmth to the cityscape and products that enable cleanliness and comfort and fit aesthetically within the bathroom space.
INAX reimagines the entire bathroom experience, creating a calming environment that embodies Japanese rituals of water – navigating you to a deeper level of relaxation and rejuvenation.
Take a moment to reflect in serenity. Achieve harmony of your body and mind. Embrace your true self and be energized for what lies ahead tomorrow.
LIVE WELL
01
CARRYING ON THE PURSUIT OF BEAUTY IN THE ART OF POTTERY
Clay takes shape with the infusion of water and transforms into pieces of ceramic through the power of fire. A product of nature, ceramics have a natural warmth that brings about a peaceful feeling. INAX was founded by a family of potters who, over generations, passed on the skills and artistry of pottery. Kneading with just their fingertips, the lineage of artisans produced tea utensils and other artistic pieces characterized by unassuming grace. INAX’s pursuit of beauty in manufacturing ceramic products that enrich people’s souls originated from such ancestral roots.
Created by Chozaburo Ina I (1744-1822)
Created by Chozaburo Ina II (1780-1857)
02
EMBELLISHING THE CITYSCAPE
Beautiful terracotta facades add warmth and a welcoming feeling to the scenery. At the dawn of the history of Japan’s exterior tiles and terracotta manufacturing, INAX started producing elegant architectural ceramics of many shapes and shades to embellish large modern concrete buildings, with a passion for beautifying landscapes and cityscapes. Utilizing the aesthetics and craftsmanship unique to our origin in ceramics, INAX continues to help people live well through attractive design tiles with hues and expressions desired by architects.
Imperial Hotel reconstructed in Museum Meiji-mura
ORNAMENTAL BRICKS THAT FORGED A MAJESTIC ATMOSPHERE
A hotel that welcomed dignitaries from around the world with a Japanese spirit of hospitality, the second main building of the Imperial Hotel was designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright.
Following the Great Kanto Earthquake, buildings such as department stores, banks, and government agencies were rebuilt with robust reinforced concrete and embellished with delightful architectural tiles and terracotta.
The Takashimaya Nihonbashi department store building Artist: Taro Okamoto "SOUSEI" 1952
TAKING ART TO THE STREETS WITH CERAMICS
“Art has value not as the possession of a select few but rather in its connection with the mass.” Renowned artist Taro Okamoto realized this belief through a new technique he saw potential in - creating artworks with mosaic tiles.
The Ryukoku Museum in 2010
The Ryukoku Museum in 2010
ADDING CHARACTER WITH CERAMICS
03
MAKING THE HOME A HEART-WARMING ENVIRONMENT
Being in an environment tailored to one’s taste feels good. The bathroom, for example, should be a beautiful space that is utterly satisfying on top of being a functional place for personal hygiene. At INAX, we focus on creating products that forge spaces that satisfy both the body and the mind. Our approach consists of pursuing human-centric innovations that ensure comfort and cleanliness and designs that fit aesthetically within the architecture, creating a relaxing environment. The sense of beauty and craftsmanship of ceramics in our DNA continues to live on in our spirit and philosophy toward manufacturing tiles and sanitaryware. Through our products, we make the home environment comfortable and beautiful to help everyone reach sheer satisfaction.
Ina Sanitary ware catalog in 1952
CREATING COMFORTABLE OF BATHROOMS IN JAPAN
SANITARINA 61 in 1967
UNVEILING NEW JOY AND COMFORT WITH JAPAN’S FIRST SHOWER TOILET
In today’s world, where people dream of furthering the quality of their everyday lives, INAX’s passion is to deliver comfortable toilets that everyone can use hygienically and promote the joy of the washing experience.
Third Space Design concept catalog in 1992
THE THIRD SPACE FOR OPTIMAL WELLNESS
The “Third Space” was a concept launched by INAX to drive more attention to the bathroom and lavatory as spaces to enjoy spending time in, just like the living room, dining room, and kitchen.
SATIS in 2001
MINIMUM SIZE, MAXIMUM SATISFACTION
With a vision to transform tiny, limited Japanese lavatories into beautiful, comfortable, and satisfying spaces that make people want to linger, INAX launched SATIS with the bold message of “turning the lavatory into a parlor.”
S600 LINE in 2019
DELIVERING THE INAX BATHROOM EXPERIENCE TO THE WORLD
Through products that subtly reflect the spirit of Japanese hospitality, we offer bathroom collections that enable a deeper level of relaxation and vitality to people around the world.
04
CONTINUING OUR PURSUIT TO ENABLE EVERYONE TO LIVE WELL
Ceramics being our origin, at INAX, we embrace the harmony of people, space, and nature. We imagine the environment, such as cityscapes and homes, and the feelings of the people who live there. We interact with nature – clay, water, and fire – and skillfully maximize its blessings and power in creating beautiful products. Our journey to seek new possibilities for tiles and bathroom products that take into consideration the space in which people live and the nature of which they are a part is never-ending. We continue this pursuit with passion and determination to enable everyone to live well.
COLUMN
Tokoname – the Ancient Pottery Town
Tokoname, the birthplace of INAX, is located in central Japan on the western coast of the Chita Peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean. Known as one of the Six Ancient Kilns, this seaside town has been firing the kilns since the 12th century.
Ceramics – the Product of Clay, Water, and Fire
Clay takes shape with the infusion of water and transforms into pieces of ceramic through the power of fire. Tiles embellishing the scenery and sanitaryware are among the many items made of ceramics.
Human-Centric and Nature-Friendly Innovations
People exist in this world as a part of nature. Thus, technologies are only truly useful in the long run if they are environmentally sustainable. At INAX, we continue our relentless pursuit of innovations to better lives, always in ways that cherish nature and maximize its blessings.
HERITAGE
1766
Chozaburo Ina I starts producing tea-ware in the pottery town of Tokoname.
1918
Appointment of Hatsunojo and Chozaburo Ina as technical advisors to produce the tiles for the Imperial Hotel, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright.
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EPOCH STORY
Ornamental Bricks that Forged a Majestic Atmosphere
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EPOCH STORY
Adorning the Cities with Decorative Terracotta
1924
Establishment of Ina Seito Co., Ltd. (Managing Director: Chozaburo Ina) Production of ceramic tiles, pottery pipes and terracotta.
1945
Start of sanitaryware production
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EPOCH STORY
Taking Art to the Streets with Ceramics
1967
Launch of Japan’s first shower toilet with warm water shower spray and dryer function–Sanitarina 61.
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EPOCH STORY
Unveiling New Joy and Comfort with Japan’s First Shower Toilet
1976
Launch of INAX’s first shower toilet seat Sanitarina F1.
1985
Change of company name to INAX Corporation.
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EPOCH STORY
The Third Space for Optimal Wellness
1990
Launch of world’s first self-powered automatic faucet Automage.
1994
Launch of toilet with KILAMIC – antimicrobial technology which is highly resistant to scratches and stains.
1998
Launch of ECOCARAT functional interior ceramics that control humidity and odor. Winner of Good Design Long Life Design Award.
1999
Launch of toilet with PROGUARD technology for maximum protection against hard water stains and spots.
2001
Launch of world’s most compact tankless shower toilet SATIS. Winner of Good Design Gold Award.
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EPOCH STORY
Minimum Size, Maximum Satisfaction
2002
Launch of HIGH TECH TERRA COTTA
2005
Launch of touchless faucet that supplies water by sensor technology.
2006
Development of push button faucet for prefabricated bath.
2007
Japan's antibacterial measurement standard certified to ISO standard.
2012
Restoration of the Marunouchi Station Building of Tokyo Station, designated as an Important Cultural Property of Japan. (Ornamental bricks)
2016
Launch of new "SATIS" series. Winner of Red Dot Design Award (SATIS G-type).
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AQUA CERAMIC - The most advanced hygiene technology. Winner of Good Design Gold Award.
2017
Mark of the 50th anniversary of the first made-in-Japan shower toilet launched in 1967.
2019
Launch of the new INAX brand identity at Milan Design Week.
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EPOCH STORY
Delivering the INAX Bathroom Experience to the World
ORNAMENTAL BRICKS THAT FORGED A MAJESTIC ATMOSPHERE
A hotel that welcomed dignitaries from around the world with a Japanese spirit of hospitality, the second main building of the Imperial Hotel was designed by the legendary architect Frank Lloyd Wright. In the lobby, bricks with ornamental perforations and intricately designed terracotta created a majestic play of light and shadow. At the time of Japan’s modernization, Chozaburo Ina, the founder of INAX, and his father Hatsunojo were invited as technical advisors to the hotel’s exclusive factory for their extensive expertise and artistic sensibilities in ceramics. Fully exerting their abilities, they successfully produced all the bricks and terracotta with the exact hues and expressions that Wright had sought.
Imperial Hotel reconstructed in Museum Meiji-mura
Imperial Hotel reconstructed in Museum Meiji-mura
Imperial Hotel reconstructed in Museum Meiji-mura
1920s~
ADORNING THE CITIES WITH DECORATIVE TERRACOTTA
Following the Great Kanto Earthquake, buildings such as department stores, banks, and government agencies were rebuilt with robust reinforced concrete and embellished with delightful architectural tiles and terracotta. Around this time, INAX led the production of decorative terracotta, maximizing the extensive experience gained from manufacturing bricks for the Imperial Hotel. The flamboyant terracotta decorations symbolized the post-earthquake reconstruction period and spread to other cities throughout Japan, beautifying the streets.
The Matsuzakaya Yokohama department store building, built in 1934
The Osaka Club building, built in 1924
1952
TAKING ART TO THE STREETS WITH CERAMICS
“Art has value not as the possession of a select few but rather in its connection with the mass.” Renowned artist Taro Okamoto realized this belief through a new technique he saw potential in - creating artworks with mosaic tiles. Taro was attracted by the power of tiles as a medium, such as their strength that makes them suitable for places where more people come into contact, the ability to mass-produce original works, and above all, the ability to reproduce the colors depicted in the original paintings. When creating the mosaic tile mural ‘Sosei’ [Creation], the artist stayed at INAX’s factory in Tokoname for about a month with several dozen craftsmen, who made every effort to reproduce the image he had drawn faithfully.
The Takashimaya Nihonbashi department store building Artist: Taro Okamoto "SOUSEI" 1952
1967
UNVEILING NEW JOY AND COMFORT WITH JAPAN’S FIRST SHOWER TOILET
In today’s world, where people dream of furthering the quality of their everyday lives, INAX’s passion is to deliver comfortable toilets that everyone can use hygienically and promote the joy of the washing experience. Intelligent toilets with bidet and drying functions have become synonymous with Japanese toilets, known worldwide for their cleanliness. More than half a century ago, INAX introduced Sanitarina 61, the first made-in-Japan shower toilet for home use, to enable everyone the joy of having a clean and comfortable shower toilet. Through repeated trial and error, we achieved a comfortable washing experience, which continues to evolve even today.
SANITARINA 61 in 1967
1989
THE THIRD SPACE FOR OPTIMAL WELLNESS
The “Third Space” was a concept launched by INAX to drive more attention to the bathroom and lavatory as spaces to enjoy spending time in, just like the living room, dining room, and kitchen. We proposed the importance of going beyond providing products such as toilets and bathtubs that satisfy personal hygiene needs functionally and creating beautiful, comfortable, and relaxing spaces that provide emotional satisfaction. At INAX, we have pursued product designs that not only offer ease of use but also fit aesthetically in the surrounding spaces so that the products resonate and harmonize with each other, creating an environment that helps people feel relaxed and positive.
Third Space Design concept in 1989 XstageKG
Third Space Design concept in 1992 XstageIM
Third Space Design concept in 1989 XspaceUM
2001
MINIMUM SIZE, MAXIMUM SATISFACTION
With a vision to transform tiny, limited Japanese lavatories into beautiful, comfortable, and satisfying spaces that make people want to linger, INAX launched SATIS with the bold message of “turning the lavatory into a parlor.” The toilet size was reduced to as compact as possible while improving the seating comfort and ease of use to make the lavatory spacious and cozy. The sophisticated design of SATIS goes well with various interior designs; it will make you want to enjoy coordinating your lavatory as another precious room. Introduced to the world at the beginning of the 21st century, SATIS epitomizes “Less is more” and “God is in the details”*. Its lean and dignified form has continued to evolve and has become the world’s de facto standard.
* Aphorisms by Mies van der Rohe, the Master of Modern Architecture
SATIS concept book in 2001
SATIS catalog in 2004
SATIS catalog in 2005
2019
DELIVERING THE INAX BATHROOM EXPERIENCE TO THE WORLD
Through products that subtly reflect the spirit of Japanese hospitality, we offer bathroom collections that enable a deeper level of relaxation and vitality to people around the world. With the sense of beauty cherished over a century of craftsmanship, we touch people’s hearts not through decorations but by how we design the bathroom space. Imagine the surprise you will feel upon entering. In an instant, a sense of transformation arises as if you have stepped into a different world. Just as the same scenery can seem different depending on one’s state of mind, the simplicity of the space may feel serene at times and generate a pleasant sense of tension at other times. It is a space that allows time for self-reflection.
S400 LINE in 2019
S600 LINE light＆shadow concept in 2020
S600 LINE light＆shadow concept in 2020
COLUMN
Tokoname – the Ancient Pottery Town
DOKANZAKA in TOKONAME
The Development of Tokoname-ware
Tokoname, the birthplace of INAX, is located in central Japan on the western coast of the Chita Peninsula, facing the Pacific Ocean. Known as one of the Six Ancient Kilns, this seaside town has been firing the kilns since the 12th century.
Thanks to its location, Tokoname also thrived in marine transportation. From medieval times, pots and jars made in Tokoname were shipped to other parts of Japan and the broad interaction brought a great deal of wisdom, which fueled further inspiration and playful creativity into Tokoname-ware.
TOKONAME, AICHI, JAPAN
INAX MUSEUMS
In the 18th century, the culture of “Sencha”, steeped tea, became fashionable amongst the literati of the time. The popularity of sencha led to the creation of “Shudei Kyusu”. Literally meaning red clay teapot in Japanese, its unique vermilion color generated by the iron-rich clay of Tokoname made it a representative Tokoname-ware. Around this time, Choza Ina I, the ancestor of the founder of INAX, also devoted himself to the art of pottery and produced beautiful tea utensils.
From the mid-19th century, earthenware pipes, terracotta, tiles, and other architectural ceramics were produced in Tokoname, supporting the modernization of Japanese lives.
Islamic Tiled Dome Ceilings
INAX Museums – Encountering the Product of Clay, Water, and Fire
INAX Museums is a unique facility where visitors can see tile exhibits, handle pottery, and experience aspects of ceramics manufacturing. From idea generation to technology and products, we convey our spirit of craftsmanship in the land of our origin.
Clay takes shape with the infusion of water and transforms into pieces of ceramic through the power of fire. Tiles embellishing the scenery and sanitaryware are among the many items made of ceramics.
At INAX, we utilize our masterful knowledge of clay, water, and fire to bring out the power of these blessings of Mother Earth to create beautiful tiles and sanitaryware to create attractive spaces that enrich people’s lives and souls. As such, ceramics manufacturing is the origin of INAX’s passion and spirit of craftsmanship.
KITE
YOHEN BORDER
Tiles that adorn modern living spaces have long been used for architectural decoration. They have helped achieve unique architectural expressions and create public art. As tiles are made with elements of nature – clay, water, and fire - they have a unique warmth appealing to the human senses.
Ceramics are water-resistant and hygienic. They also have the benefits of being a medium that allows ease of creating a mechanism for efficient water flow, gentle on the human skin, and never fading. Thus, they are ideal for sanitaryware such as toilet bowls.
Maximize the earth’s resources to enable everyone to live well – this is INAX’s philosophy.
COLUMN
Human-Centric and Nature-Friendly Innovations
People exist in this world as a part of nature. Thus, technologies are only truly useful in the long run if they are environmentally sustainable. At INAX, we continue our relentless pursuit of innovations to better lives, always in ways that cherish nature and maximize its blessings.
Offer products that are good for humanity and the environment – this is the promise of the INAX brand.
KOHKIN
Human-Friendly KOHKIN Technology
The concept of INAX’s antibacterial technology, KOHKIN, is to inhibit the growth of bacteria by embedding silver ions in the product materials.
Normal bacterial flora exists in a healthy human body, but using strong disinfectants can upset the balance of the normal flora. INAX’s products utilize the power of human-friendly silver, which is safe and effective against various types of bacteria while having minimal effect on normal bacterial flora on the skin. and no impact on microorganisms in nature. Silver is also ideal for use in bathrooms and toilets because it is generally insoluble in water.
With our KOHKIN technology, INAX offers products that users can enjoy hygienically for a long time, ensuring a sanitary and comfortable everyday life.
ECOCARAT
Refreshing Living Spaces with Clay
ECOCARAT+ is a unique and functional interior finishing tile inspired by the materials used to construct traditional Japanese clay walls, which is well suited to the Japanese climate. Structured with innumerable micro-pores, ECOCARAT+controls the indoor humidity level and absorbs unpleasant odors and harmful airborne matte, ensuring a pleasant and lasting air quality.
An environmental and human-friendly building material with designs that reproduce a wide range of features and textures, including clay, stone, wood, and even fabric, ECOCARAT+ works wonders in creating attractive and refreshing living spaces tailored to one’s taste.
TRIPLE VORTEX FLUSH
INTELLIGENT CONTROL SHOWER SYSTEM
Harnessing the Power of Water with Smart Aqua
INAX products are manufactured using our innovative Smart Aqua technologies. Our Triple Vortex Flush maximizes the natural energy of water, effectively harnessing its force and flow to clean the inside of the toilet bowl more powerfully and thoroughly. Our intelligent control shower system enables ease of use, switching the shower on and off with just a push of the button and controlling the water volume by turning the dial. Both technologies make the utmost use of the power of nature without relying on electricity or gas, ensuring the feeling of excellence to the users.
