Mr. Raj is the president of Still Water Aquatics. Mr. Raj is the President of Still Water Aquatics, a company which focuses on making every home have a Nature Aquarium in the Indian Subcontinent. As Engineer turned Entrepreneur, he is exploring Nature and understanding the habitats of various plants in jungles around the world.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
IAPLC has been the pinnacle of Aquascaping, and I believe it always will be. This year’s theme is “Originality sparks your creative world”. Yes to get the best ranking in the contest you need original ideas and it must be creative too. The original ideas are best derived from some form of Nature which is the best artist around us, so I encourage the participants to go around and see and feel emersed in nature derive the concept and create something more marvelous than what you saw in nature.
ADA has been the pillar for this contest for 25 years and am sure it will do so for a long time so let’s do our best to use superior products to create fine nature that will put everyone in Awe when they see a picture of your aquascape. Do understand that nature is disappearing very fast due to many issues, and we may not see this nature that was your inspiration, but with your take on nature in your aquascape it could be that we could see that nature through your eyes in this beautiful aquascape that you create.
I would encourage all to participate in this fair contest so there is a goal to look forward and a rank for you to improve year on year, let the result not worry you but strive hard and put in the passion to create beautiful underwater nature and am sure one day your best work will be at the helm. Off course it is challenging but what is not for you to be on top of the world.

Mr.Connelly is the Publisher of TFH Publications and its flagship publication, Tropical Fish Hobbyist magazine. TFH Publications first introduced the work of Takashi Amano to the American aquarium hobby in the Nature Aquarium World book series, and TFH magazine continues to present Nature Aquarium articles in the English language to its devoted readers in every issue.

Mr. Longarço is the founder and business manager of Aquabase Aquapaisagismo, the first company 100% dedicated to Nature Aquarium in Brazil. He also conducts promotional activities about aquascaping worldwide and present a TV show about aquarium on Brazilian television. He is a passionate for Japanese Orchids, Bonsai and outdoor activities.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
Hello, aquascaping enthusiasts! This year we celebrate a special milestone as the IAPLC celebrates its 26th anniversary. We are starting together, the second quarter of century, building an outstanding and beautiful history. Everything starts with the dream of the visionary Niigata boy, who turned his passion into a way for us to get closer to our essence, through the contemplation of Nature. Let's continue honoring the Mr. Amano legacy, building together more 25 years of traditions and passion for Nature. Please, give yourself best and enjoy the process. I'm looking forward to know and judging your aquariums this year! Good luck to everyone!

Mr. Diao is the president of Beijing ADA Nature Aquarium World Gallery. He studied techniques of the aquatic plant cultivation and planted aquarium, and devoted himself to the outreach of the planted aquarium culture. After many years of experience, he opened ADA Nature Aquarium World Gallery in Beijing in 2018. Many planted aquarium enthusiasts visit the gallery from all over the world.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
In the world of aquatic plant layout, creativity and patience are equally essential. I hope that each participant can express their own originality and the beauty of nature through their work. No matter the outcome, the process of creation itself is the greatest achievement. At IAPLC 2026, I wish for everyone to go beyond their limits and create aquascapes that resonate deeply with viewers.

Mr. Buhlmann is the CEO and owner of E.A. european aquatics GmbH, the ADA distributor in Europe. His first encounter with Takashi Amano in Germany in 2012 marked a pivotal moment in his professional journey. Since then, he has been dedicated to advancing the concept of the Nature Aquarium and promoting aquascaping throughout Europe with great commitment.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
Since meeting Takashi Amano in 2012, I have devoted myself to increasing awareness and fostering the growth of Nature Aquariums and aquascaping in Europe. The connections and friendships that have emerged within the aquascaping community—particularly through international competitions such as the IAPLC—enrich this passion profoundly and enable it to flourish year after year. Serving as a juror for the IAPLC is a great personal honor and fills me with deep humility in remembrance of Takashi Amano.

Mr. Oliver Lucanus is a nature photographer and fish importer based in Montreal, Canada. He has been traveling to see fish and their habitats for over 35 years, resulting in several books, videos and many magazine articles.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
I wish all contestants great luck, and hope to see entries that make choosing the winner just as difficult as the past years. As always I will be looking for aquariums with a balanced look, and a natural appearance. Each year I am amazed at some entries that find a way to create an aquarium that is totally unique, and has not appeared in that style before.

Mr. Yamaguchi represents AQUA LIFE. The magazine introduces the beauty of aquatic plants and planted aquarium. He works for MPJ Inc., the company that publishes the annual AQUA PLANTS and many other publications providing useful information for planted aquarium hobbyists.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
With nearly twenty-five years of history, IAPLC has steadily built its legacy. Looking ahead, however, we believe that the continued growth of the contest depends on the emergence of bold, innovative works. As both a judge and an aquascaping enthusiast, I eagerly and sincerely look forward to the passionate entries from all participants.

Ms. Bauer is the chief editor of caridina magazine. As translator and author, she has been working in the aquarium world for many years, and has translated several Takashi Amano's books like Nature Aquarium Complete Works 1985-2009 and Origin of Creation etc. into German for the Daehne Publishing House.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
Feeling very honored to participate in the jurors' panel again, I am looking forward to evaluating your creative works! Your creativity is highly admirable, and closely examining your layouts and feel your intentions with your original creations of Nature Aquarium is always a true pleasure. I love nature, as do you – and I think together we can bring aquascaping and a closer sense of belonging with nature to the world. I cannot wait to see the beautiful, inspiring aquarium layouts of the IAPLC in 2026!

Mr. Huang is the president of Easy Trading Co., Ltd. He has been involved in the IAPLC as a judge since the 1st International Aquatic Plants Layout Contest. He has been widely sharing the charms of Nature Aquarium from his aquatic plant showroom established in Taipei.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
IAPLC is a global stage for people who love aquatic plant layouts. Regardless of nationality, gender, or age, anyone can freely express their creativity at IAPLC. In particular, the World Ceremony offers a rare opportunity to interact directly with top aquascapers gathered from around the world.
For beginners as well, IAPLC provides a highly meaningful experience: through the process from application to submission, and by appreciating the award-winning works, participants can greatly improve their layout skills.
IAPLC warmly welcomes everyone and sincerely looks forward to the participation of aquatic plant layout enthusiasts from all over the world.

Mr. Homma not only closely witnessed Takashi Amano’s layout production for a long time, but also accompanied Amano’s photoshooting for scenic photos many times. Mr. Homma looks up to Amano as his mentor, and focuses on carrying on Amano’s legacy and further developing Nature Aquarium.

COMMENT FOR IAPLC2026
Creating an aquatic plant layout is a process of facing nature and, at the same time, engaging in a dialogue with oneself. The aquascapes you create as you challenge IAPLC 2026 will undoubtedly have the power to resonate with someone, somewhere in the world. New ideas and inspiration are always found within nature itself. By carefully observing the flow of water, the vitality of aquatic plants, and the movement of fish, we hope you will continue to trust your own perspective on nature and see your work through to the very end. We sincerely look forward to your aquascape giving rise to new perspectives and lasting impressions around the world.