We are delighted to introduce a short film beautifully directed by Koji Nishijima, the Japanese filmmaker behind the documentary Pale Blue Dot.
Created especially for Aquaphotomics Day at EXPO 2025, this poetic work captures the essence of water as the mirror of life — ever-changing, sensing, and connecting all living beings. Through moving images and narration, it invites us to reflect on the message of Aquaphotomics — the science that listens to the “voice of water” through light.
“Born from water, and returning to water — to live is to renew ourselves every single day.”
Watch the film below (Produced and directed by Koji Nishijima, 2025)
From left: Shogo Shigeoka (Spa Yunosato), Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova (Kobe University), and Kayoko Okusako (Dr. Recella) at the Aquaphotomics Day event, Bulgarian Pavilion, EXPO 2025 Osaka.
We are very pleased that our event, “Aquaphotomics Day” at the Bulgarian Pavilion of EXPO 2025 Osaka, was featured by the Bulgarian News Agency (BTA). The article highlights the scientific and cultural significance of the event and celebrates the contributions of Professor Rumiya Tsenkova, the Bulgarian-born founder of Aquaphotomics at Kobe University.
For readers’ convenience, we present below the English translation of the original Bulgarian report, preserving its content and tone as faithfully as possible.
Bulgarian Scientist at the Center of the Aquaphotomics Day at EXPO 2025 Osaka
On 1 October 2025, at the Bulgarian Pavilion of EXPO 2025 Osaka (which has been open since May), the “Aquaphotomics Day” — a milestone for the emerging science of aquaphotomics — was held. The science, founded by Prof. Rumiana Tsenkova, a Bulgarian scientist based in Japan, investigates the connectedness of water molecules through light and shows how their bonding determines the functionality and properties of water in humans, animals, plants and various solutions.
The event aligned with the overall theme of the Expo, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives: Cocreation for Sustainability — Connecting Lives”, and attracted considerable interest from Japanese companies, the scientific community and visitors.
The day began with a screening of the documentary film Pale Blue Dot by Japanese director Koji Nishijima — tracing the role of water from its central place in Shintoism, through the prism of aquaphotomics, to its cosmic significance. The film had also been shown in Bulgaria in September 2024.
In the afternoon, an international symposium on aquaphotomics was held at the pavilion, where diverse applications of the science — from agriculture and veterinary medicine to human healthcare and industrial technologies — were presented. As part of the hands-on section, visitors could participate in measurements with portable spectrophotometers, and individual “aquagrams” — graphical images reflecting the momentary state of water molecules in the organism — were created from participants’ palms. Two Japanese cosmetics companies demonstrated how these aquagrams can be used to analyse hydration, elasticity and overall skin condition, and to recommend appropriate products.
The event’s guest of honour was the Ambassador of the Republic of Bulgaria to Japan, Ms Marieta Arabadzhieva, who also took part in the demonstration measurements. The festive day ended with Bulgarian folk dancing led by enthusiastic Japanese dancers — a symbolic affirmation of the idea of “connectedness” which unites Bulgaria’s participation at EXPO 2025.
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.
The Bulgaria Pavilion under a clear beautiful autumn sky.
The “Aquaphotomics Day” banner. “Water is your mirror – Let your water speak.”
From early morning, guests lined up outside, eager to join the one-day event.
The cheerful pavilion mascot, “Lacto-Chan,” which was named Best Mascot at EXPO 2025[1][2], greeted attendees and set a warm, welcoming tone at the entrance.
Welcome to the Bulgaria Pavilion!
Open space inside the 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 artistKoji 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.
Hand Scanning Booth by Spa YunosatoHand Scanning Booth by Spa Yunosato
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.
Skin Scanning Booth by Dr. RecellaMeet the Aquaphotomics ResearchersMeet the Aquaphotomics Researachers
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.
Bulgarian national danceBulgarian national dance
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.
Professor Roumiana Tsenkova (top), Ambassador Marieta Arabadjieva (right), Director of the Bulgarian Pavilion, Georgi Kostov (left)
Aquaphotomics Symposium — Science, Innovation, and Connection
Welcome message by Ambassador Marieta Arabadjieva
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
Prof. Roumiana TsenkovaShogo Shigeoka, Spa YunosatoDr. Teresa EscrigDiscussions with audience
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.
On October 1, 2025, the Bulgarian Pavilion at EXPO 2025 will host two special events dedicated to Aquaphotomics.
Aquaphotomics Day (9:30–12:00)
Celebrate the 20th anniversary of Aquaphotomics, the science founded by Professor Roumiana Tsenkova of Kobe University. Discover how water molecules act as mirrors of their surroundings, uniting natural sciences from agriculture to medicine, and explore the potential of this rapid, non-destructive, and cost-effective method of research.
Aquaphotomics Symposium (15:00–17:00)
Featuring:
Prof. Roumiana Tsenkova (Founder of Aquaphotomics, Kobe University)
Dr. Teresa Escrig (Founder/CEO, What Matters Academy, USA)
Mr. Shogo Shigeoka (Yunosato Aquaphotomics Lab, Japan)
The symposium will be followed by an opportunity for visitors to experience real-time measurements (16:30–17:00).
Join us in celebrating the journey of Aquaphotomics and discovering the future of water science at EXPO 2025.
