Have you heard of 'science cafés'? They are nationwide science events, which are a more relaxed approach to enjoying science discussions. According to the description on the Science Portal.

Unlike conventional lectures and symposia in the field of science and technology, the Science Café is an attempt to create a place where science experts and the general public can casually discuss science over a cup of coffee in a familiar place such as a coffee shop. (cited from Science Portal http://scienceportal.jp/eventinfo/scicafe)

The company said.

This science café is also held here in Niigata, and a whopping 100th anniversary event will be held on 19 April.

Yoshio Homma, Secretary of the Science Café Niigata Secretariat.

I knew that the event was held at the Junkudo bookshop at the south exit of Niigata Station, but I had not yet attended the event, so before the 100th event I spoke to Yoshio Homma, secretary of the Science Café Niigata.

-When did the Science Café Niigata event start?

Homma: We started in August 2007. At the time, the national government was in the process of asking universities to take part in the Science Café initiative. In Niigata, it is not mainly run by universities or science museums, but by volunteers.

-You have been doing this for almost seven years now.

Homma: We started with the Junkudo bookshop in Niigata Station South, which opened at the time and provided us with the location. We are trying to make it a place where people from all walks of life can come into contact with science in an accessible and open space.

-What is unique about the Science Café event?

Honma: It is not just about lecturing, but about people meeting and communicating with each other in a real setting. We hope to have casual science discussions in everyday life.

-The mere mention of the word 'science' may give some people a difficult image. Can beginners keep up with what they hear?

Homma: Scientists in science study the most advanced things in their respective fields. There are many things about them that even I, who am also in the same field of science, don't understand. But at the Science Café, experts explain their fields in a way that anyone can understand. In terms of hearing about the field for the first time, adults and children are in the same position. So whether you are a child or someone who is not good at science, it's okay.

-Various people have appeared as lecturers.

Homma: Finding guests is the hardest part. But as a result of inviting a diverse range of guests, we even have people from outside the prefecture who come to participate in the Science Café Niigata. The staff are all volunteers. The topic presenters are also free of charge. But as we hold more and more events, our network of science-related people expands and we are able to have many different people speak at our events.

-I have the impression that science has become more distant from the general public due to the earthquake and the recent paper issue.

Honma: A lot of science has really come into our daily lives. In the past, you had to make your own radio or change the TV channel by turning a knob on the main unit. But with technological innovations, we can now change the channel just by pressing a button on the remote control, and with the increase in convenient products such as smartphones, the mechanics are becoming less visible. Most people are now using the technology without knowing what kind of technology they are using.

-The appliances are almost always black boxes for the general public.

Homma: There is a danger in using things because they are convenient, without understanding them. There are things like genetic diagnosis, and it would be desirable for citizens to understand the wonderful aspects and limitations of science and be able to make their own decisions. For this reason, I hope that people will become more familiar with science.

-The Science Café is the place to be.

Homma: We think it is important to increase the number of places where citizens can easily come into contact with science. We have a variety of themes to get people interested. Fossils, space, the Northern Lights, 3D printers, etc. In addition to events at Junkudo, we also hold events at the Niigata Prefectural Museum of Nature and Science and the city library, and hold workshops outside to look for fossils.

-The atmosphere conveys the feeling of being able to participate in the project without any elbow grease.

Homma: I believe that 'science communication' will become increasingly important in the future to deepen the understanding of science. Experts and citizens discuss over a cup of coffee. Everyone from small children to adults will come into contact with science. We would like to continue to provide many such opportunities. We hope you will feel free to drop by.

Homma-san has a sparkling interest in science, in a good way, like a child, and I was thrilled to hear her talk. 'It's so amazing!' She introduced various science events to me. Talking face to face is the best", says Homma-san. The fascination of science was vividly conveyed to us.

IGAITA at the Science Café, which brings science closer to the public.

Events

'Let's connect, Niigata's Kagaku! Science Cafe Niigata

• Registration and detailed programme: http://www.ecosci.jp/n-cafe/ Please click here.