One day, in the spring of 2023, I received a call from Mr. Y at NHK*1. I had been the instructor of an educational program for high school students at NHK in the previous year; therefore, Mr. Y asked if he could interview me. There was no reason to say no. We got along extremely well from the first moment. Fortunately, I was able to visit Nobi Plain*2, which was Mr. Y’s hometown, where I was asked to be a guide in one of Japan’s most famous TV shows, “Bura Tamori*3.”

True to his reputation, Tamori-san (Mr. Tamori) is distinctively talented in interpreting the professional knowledge of landforms, geology, or history into ordinary people’s interests, giving a friendly ear to the guide (me). It is well known that Tamori-san loves geography and geology. I was overjoyed throughout the show by the quick, insightful, and humorous guesses he made on the destinations, which he had not been informed of. In addition, Ms. Noguchi, the facilitator of the program, livened up the program with witty conversations from the standpoint of the audience’s curiosity.

The program was produced with thorough research and a carefully chosen theme on Mother Nature. Starring an extraordinarily talented Tamori-san in a friendly manner, millions of people in Japan watched it and received his messages from every show.

Recently, activities to connect researchers and the general public or universities and society have increased. Paraphrasing expertise and research outcomes with accessible words for nonexperts is becoming an important mission for researchers; however, it is an extremely difficult task. Bura Tamori*4 taught me how to overcome it and gain favorable responses from ordinary citizens.

NOTES:

1. Japan’s state-run broadcasting station, Japan Broadcasting Corporation
2. A student of the class of 2023 found his graduation paper theme in a question from Mr. Y.
3. “Bura Tamori” is a TV series in which Tamori strolls around towns across Japan and spontaneously interacts with guest guides with geographical, historical, or cultural knowledge about the visiting areas. “Bura” comes from the Japanese onomatopoeia, “bura bura,” meaning “strolling around.” The literal meaning of the title is “Strolling Tamori.”
4. Bura Tamori has received commendations from the Association of Japanese Geographers, Geological Society of Japan, and Japanese Geotechnical Society for many years.