EXPO2025 OSAKA
“Aquaphotomics Day” at EXPO2025 Bulgaria Pavilion
On October 1st, 2025, the Bulgaria Pavilion of EXPO2025 (Osaka, Japan) hosted a special event titled “Aquaphotomics Day.” The event was co-organized by Aquaphotomics Research Field of Kobe University, Spa Yunosato, Dr. Recella, Isol Technica, and the Institute for Life Design.
The celebration highlighted the deep scientific and cultural connection between Bulgaria and Japan, paying tribute to the founder of Aquaphotomics, Professor Roumiana Tsenkova, a Bulgarian-born scientist from Kobe University.
Professor Tsenkova has received numerous honors from her hometown of Ruse, including the 2016 Honorary Citizen of Ruse Award and the 2015 Ruse Ambassador Award. Presenting Aquaphotomics at the Bulgaria Pavilion—where art, science, and humanity meet—was a deeply symbolic gesture, uniting two nations through the language of water.
“Water is your mirror – Let your water speak.”
Welcome to the Bulgaria Pavilion!
Within the bright interior of the Pavilion, visitors were invited to explore Aquaphotomics through a short movie, a few posters and three interactive booths. Researchers in white lab coats guided participants as they discovered how light and water interact—revealing invisible biological information hidden within water.
Before exploring the booths, visitors gathered in the Pavilion’s mini theatre to watch a short introductory film about Aquaphotomics produced by the Japanese artist Koji Nishijima.
The film beautifully introduced the science of Aquaphotomics through visuals of light, water, and nature, showing how water serves as a mirror that reflects and connects all aspects of life—from agriculture and biology to materials science and astronomy. It concluded with the message: “Water connects everything.”
Hands-On Aquaphotomics Experience
After the screening, visitors moved to the main exhibition area, where they experienced Aquaphotomics firsthand through three booths operated by researchers from Kobe University and partner companies.
- Hand Scanning Booth by Spa Yunosato
Visitors measured their NIR spectra by the Bulgarian APS spectrophotometer developed especially for Aquaphotomics before and after mild stimuli such as fragrance exposure or light exercise and compared them visualized through the Aquagram®. - Skin Scanning Booth by Dr. Recella
Participants measured their skin using near-infrared light to visualize their personal Aquagram®, a fingerprint of the water structure in the skin. - Meet the Scientists Booth by Aquaphotomics Lab, Isol Technica, Institute for Life Design
Attendees spoke directly with researchers to learn how Aquaphotomics reveals the hidden language of water and its potential applications in health, agriculture, and industry.
The combination of the introductory movie and hands-on experience created a complete learning journey—from conceptual understanding to personal discovery—allowing every visitor to “see their own water.”
Meanwhile, the Meet the Scientists area offered direct dialogue with Aquaphotomics researchers who explained the scientific principles and applications behind the technology. The space buzzed with excitement as visitors experienced science not as an abstract concept, but as something deeply connected to their own bodies and senses.
Cultural Exchange and Shared Experience
As afternoon sunlight streamed through the Pavilion’s glass walls, the atmosphere turned festive. Guests, researchers, and staff joined hands to perform a Bulgarian national dance, filling the space with laughter, rhythm, and joy.
Among the dancers were Her Excellency Marieta Arabadjieva, Ambassador of Bulgaria to Japan, and Professor Roumiana Tsenkova, symbolizing unity between Bulgaria and Japan. Their dance embodied the essence of Aquaphotomics itself—connection, resonance, and harmony.
Following the dance, Ambassador Arabadjieva and Georgi Kostov, Director of the Bulgarian Pavilion, visited the Aquaphotomics booths. Guided by researchers, they experienced live demonstrations of the technology, learning how near-infrared light can reveal the dynamic molecular structure of water. Their enthusiastic participation represented the bridge between nations, science, and people that Aquaphotomics continues to inspire.
Director of the Bulgarian Pavilion, Georgi Kostov (left)
Aquaphotomics Symposium — Science, Innovation, and Connection
The second half of the event featured the Aquaphotomics Symposium, held in the Pavilion’s conference hall. The session opened with a speech by Ambassador Marieta Arabadjieva, who warmly praised the collaboration between Bulgaria and Japan and emphasized the importance of scientific and cultural exchange. Her message perfectly echoed the spirit of EXPO2025—a celebration of humanity’s creativity and innovation.
The symposium featured three inspiring presentations:
- Professor Roumiana Tsenkova (Kobe University): Introduction to Aquaphotomics — Water as a Mirror of Life
- Mr. Shogo Shigeoka (Spa Yunosato): Industrial Applications of Aquaphotomics in Water and Wellness
- Dr. Teresa Escrig (AI scientist): What the Water Says? Artificial Intelligence and Aquaphotomics
Each presentation revealed a different facet of Aquaphotomics—from scientific foundations to practical applications and technological frontiers. Lively discussions with the audience reflected the growing excitement around water as a key to understanding life and health.
A heartfelt THANK YOU to all organizers, researchers, and supporting members
Through interactive experiences, cultural exchange, and academic dialogue, “Aquaphotomics Day” introduced Aquaphotomics as a bridge between nations and disciplines—where water becomes a language of life. The event was not only a celebration of 20 years of Aquaphotomics but also a promise to continue exploring the unseen connections that unite water, light, and life.
