On Saturday, July 26, 2025, I gave a public lecture titled “Microbes That Shine in the Ocean: Survival Strategies Hidden in the Bioluminescence Colors of Marine Bacteria” as part of the special exhibition at the Nagoya University Museum.

In the talk, I introduced the mysterious world of glowing marine microbes—especially bioluminescent bacteria—and explored questions such as: Why do they emit light? What purpose does the “color” of their glow serve? Drawing on research examples from our lab, I shared insights into the survival strategies behind microbial light emission.

The audience ranged from curious children to experienced researchers, and I was delighted by the wide variety of questions—ranging from “Why are the colors different?” to deeper inquiries about evolutionary and ecological functions. The lively discussion made the session both stimulating and fun for me as well.

I hope the lecture offered a fresh and fascinating glimpse into the ocean through the eyes of microbes, and that participants came away with a new appreciation for the hidden wonders of marine microbial life.

Many thanks to everyone who attended, and to the Nagoya University Museum for making this wonderful opportunity possible!