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Lessons from Masaru Emoto

Updated: Oct 22

Have you ever considered the impact your thoughts have on the world around you?



Photo of Masaru Emoto

Masaru Emoto, a visionary researcher and author, challenged conventional science by exploring the hidden dimensions of water. His groundbreaking work revealed that water, the essence of life, could be influenced by human consciousness and emotions. His journey invites us to reflect on the power of our intentions and the profound connections we share with nature.


Masaru Emoto’s life and work reflect the subtle influence of Bushido, Ikigai, and Ganbaru under careful examination.


Emoto’s story shows how curiousity is often the spark that ignites the fire of one’s passion.  This in turn leads to finding one’s purpose in life, their ikigai.


His work with crystals demonstrates the impact and effect of words and actions. In similar fashion, Bushido teaches that applying the principles of integrity, honor, and benevolence can produce the outcome we desire in our surroundings.


Ultimately, we learn that Ganbaru, determination and perserverance is often the deciding factor between success and failure. 


Masaru Emoto’s story is a testimony to these principles.  


The way we perceive the world shapes the reality we experience. This was a central theme in Emoto’s work, where his famous water experiments suggested that thoughts and emotions could influence physical matter. His research went beyond science, touching the metaphysical. In 2004, it became an inspiration for the documentary What the Bleep Do We Know!?, sparking discussions about consciousness, reality, and our interconnectedness with the universe.


Masaru Emoto's Journey


Born in Yokohama, Japan, in 1943, Masaru Emoto’s journey toward becoming a global figure in the realm of consciousness and water was as unconventional as it was inspiring. Growing up in post-war Japan, a country undergoing rapid recovery, Emoto initially pursued international relations—destined for a career in diplomacy or global business. Yet, his path took a dramatic turn when curiosity about alternative medicine and human consciousness ignited a deeper calling.


This shift wasn’t a detour but the start of exploring the unseen forces in the natural world for Emoto. He became fascinated with the idea that human consciousness and energy could influence physical matter. Though Emoto initially established a career in business, it was later in life that he would fully immerse himself in the mysteries of water—both literally and metaphorically.


Emoto became drawn to Hado, a Japanese term meaning "wave" or "vibration," which emphasized that everything, including thoughts and emotions, emits vibrations. For Emoto, water was the perfect medium to study this concept. He believed that water, absorbing and reflecting energy, could demonstrate the influence of human consciousness.


By the early 1990s, Emoto began experimenting with water in unconventional ways. He exposed water to stimuli such as words, music, pictures, and emotions. His process was both simple and profound: placing labels with positive or negative words on containers of water, or playing different genres of music in its presence. After freezing the water, he would examine the resulting crystals under a microscope.


What Emoto observed was extraordinary: water exposed to positive words like "love" or "gratitude" formed beautiful, symmetrical crystals, while water exposed to negative words like "hate" or "fear" resulted in chaotic, distorted structures. His findings suggested that human intention could directly influence physical matter.


Sample 'water crystal' when the music “Swan Lake” by Tchaikovsky is played.

Masaru Emoto Water Consciousness

Photo from Masaru Emoto's official website.

For more photos, you can visit HERE


From Science to Spirituality


Though Emoto’s early experiments were not conducted in traditional scientific settings, they quickly attracted attention. The visual appeal of his research–crystal photographs–made it both compelling and accessible. His book, The Hidden Messages in Water, became a global bestseller resonating deeply with people interested in the connection between spirituality, health, and science. 


Emoto’s journey was not without critics. Many scientists were skeptical of his methods, arguing that they lacked scientific rigor. However, despite the controversy, Emoto’s work inspired millions worldwide by offering a fresh perspective on the power of thought and emotion. His life story–one of curiosity, perseverance, and a quest to understand the spiritual dimensions of water–illustrates the profound connections between the physical and metaphysical realms.


Through his work, Emoto introduced the idea that water—making up 60% of the human body and 70% of the Earth’s surface—would reflect the vibrational energy of our thoughts and feelings. His hypothesis raised fascinating questions about reality, consciousness, and our relationship with the world. While traditional science hesitated to accept his conclusions, the public found his ideas empowering, encouraging a deeper reflection on how our intentions might shape both our environment and the reality we live in.


Emoto’s life and work reflect the subtle influence of Bushido, Ikigai, and Ganbaru under careful examination.

Emoto’s story shows how curiousity is often the spark that ignites the fire of one’s passion.  This in turn leads to finding one’s purpose in life, their ikigai.


His work with crystals demonstrates the impact and effMasaru ect of words and actions. In similar fashion, Bushido teaches that applying the principles of integrity, honor, and benevolence can produce the outcome we desire in our surroundings.


Ultimately, we learn that Ganbaru, determination and perserverance is often the deciding factor between success and failure. 


Masaru Emoto’s story is a testimony to these principles.  


A Turning Point


A pivotal moment in Emoto’s journey came in 1999, when he shared his findings with the world. Reactions were mixed—some embraced his ideas, while others dismissed them as pseudoscience. Yet Emoto remained undeterred, believing in the power of positivity and gratitude. He understood that living in harmony with water and nature was crucial, especially in a time of environmental crisis.


In Japan, while some appreciated his work for its spiritual and aesthetic appeal, others viewed it skeptically due to the lack of rigorous scientific validation. Masaru Emoto's work gained widespread attention following his feature in the 2004 film What the Bleep Do We Know!?, which explored the intersections of quantum physics, consciousness, and spirituality. The movie aimed to challenge conventional perceptions of reality by weaving together interviews with scientists, mystics, and thinkers.


Emoto’s water experiment became one of the most visually striking parts of the film. His claim—that water crystals change shape based on the emotional content of words or music exposed to them—aligned with the film’s message that human thoughts and emotions can influence reality at a quantum level. Images of Emoto's water crystals, such as beautiful, symmetrical shapes formed after exposure to positive words like "love" or "gratitude" and chaotic forms from negative words like "hate," captivated audiences.


Although Emoto’s methods were widely criticized for lacking scientific rigor, his inclusion in What the Bleep resonated with viewers interested in the idea that human consciousness plays a fundamental role in shaping the physical world. The film helped catapult Emoto’s ideas into the global spotlight, particularly among those drawn to spiritual wellness and alternative science, solidifying his place as a key figure in the movie’s exploration of reality's deeper mysteries.


Imagine a world where individuals are mindful of their words and intentions, understanding the impact they have on themselves and the environment. Emoto’s research suggests that cultivating a positive mindset not only enhances personal well-being but also contributes to a healthier planet. The potential for collective change lies in our hands—one kind word, one thoughtful action at a time.


In his final days, Masaru Emoto continued his work and message of positivity, even while battling illness. He remained devoted to his belief that love and gratitude could influence water and the world. According to close friends and colleagues, his last words were "Arigato" (Thank you), reflecting the core of his life's work—gratitude. He passed away peacefully on October 17, 2014, at the age of 71, surrounded by family, leaving behind a legacy that bridges science, spirituality, and the power of human intention.


As we go about our daily lives, let us remember Masaru Emoto’s profound insights into the power of water and intention. 


How can you incorporate positivity and mindfulness into your life today?


 Share your thoughts and tips on how we can collectively contribute to a more harmonious world.



Relevant Works

Emoto, Masaru. “Masaru Emoto – Office Masaru Emoto.” Masaru Emoto – Office Masaru Emoto, https://masaru-emoto.net/en/masaru/. Accessed 14 October 2024.


“In Memorial: Dr. Masaru Emoto (1943-2014).” The Edge Magazine, 1 November 2014, https://www.edgemagazine.net/2014/11/in-memorial-dr-emoto/. Accessed 14 October 2024.


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