Interviewer: What do you think of the tendency for both children and adults to lose interest in science?

Okada: I dare say that people in general don't know have a grasp on what science is. "Science? Difficult." Period. When I go to give a science lecture, the host introduces me saying, "Today, we have a great scholar." Then, everyone seems to be already satisfied.

Tanaka: I am afraid that neither scientists nor engineers are capable of clearly explaining their fields. We studied hard, but still we cannot explain well what we have studied to elementary and junior high students. If someone could give an easy explanation of science that is understandable for children, like "Science brings about these benefits." or, "You may see these side effects." we could understand each other.

Okada: Adults even detest science. In an effort to change that a situation, I am now working with JT Biohistory Research Hall. What we have done so far is so-called "enlightenment". But I've realized that it doesn't work if a scientist tries to teach and instruct people while looking down on them. It is not enlightenment, but propagation that can make science entertainment. The people who tackle this task should be respected and appreciated more.

Tanaka: We also need the cooperation of the mass media and the press. For example, we are usually asked "As I don't understand it well, could you explain?" Then, we tend to repeat that set phrase, "You should study more." I know it is often troublesome to explain, but we must overcome that feeling. We must take our essential role as interpreters more seriously, and help people to better understand science. This is what a MEXT (Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) officer once told me. 　

Okada: I want us to grant greater importance to the role of interpreters. We, the members of BRH, usually put it, "Perform the science." Spectacular music comes out of scores, because there are performers. Science, as a part of culture, also needs performers. Being a performer is a great existence with one's own social status and reputation. BRH, in the past 10 years, has trained three people to be such performers. Amazingly, society has reacted to this. Various organizations have come to recruit the members of BRH.

Interviewer: I heard that Kyoto University also hired a BRH member.

Tanaka: I was first impressed by the National Museum of Emerging Science and Innovation whose director is Mr. Mamoru Mohri. There are staff members with the title of "Interpreter". Even though I spoke about a difficult topic, the Interpreter, fully understanding what I said, explained it to children in an easy-to-understand manner. I think that their task is really important.