How to create a special exhibition
Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum
"Yumeginga" - The secret behind the "BeeCoro" exhibition that has continued for over 10 years

As a comprehensive space production company, NOMURA GROUP not only designs and constructs spaces, but also manages the operation of facilities after they open. The Business Production Headquarters Operation Business Division is responsible for the comprehensive operation and management of entire facilities, including research and curatorial departments, with a focus on cultural facilities such as museums, science museums, and art galleries.

This series of interviews, "How to Create a Special Exhibition," will capture the unique perspectives of the facility's staff, who have a wide range of specialized knowledge, as they plan exhibition themes every day and how they communicate them to visitors.
Previous articles in this series: How to create a special exhibition at Morioka History and Culture Museum - Communicating the charm of Morioka and its people in the Edo period in an interesting way!

The fourth in the series is the Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum "Yumeginga". Since its opening in July 1999 in Takeo City, Saga Prefecture as a communication facility connecting people and science, it has been popular not only in Saga Prefecture but also throughout Kyushu and the rest of Japan for a quarter century, and is Kyushu's leading science museum, with a total of approximately 5.55 million visitors (as of January 2025).
*We have been the representative of the designated manager since 2006 and currently operate the facility jointly with Mavec Co., Ltd.

This unique facility, resembling a giant spaceship towering over the lush Takeo Onsen Resort Village, features three permanent exhibition zones (Saga Discovery Zone, Earth Discovery Zone, and Space Discovery Zone), as well as a planetarium and observatory. Last year (2024), marking the 25th anniversary of the museum's opening, the main permanent exhibition, the Space Discovery Zone, was completely renovated and transformed into a hands-on exhibition zone that allows visitors to experience space more closely. Thanks to the effects of the renovation, the number of visitors in 2024 is expected to exceed 250,000.

Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum "Yumeginga" "Space Discovery Zone" | NOMURA Co., Ltd. Achievements​ ​*Responsible for planning, design, and construction of the permanent exhibition zone since its opening

The spring special exhibition "Beecoro Exhibition" that we are introducing this time is a popular special exhibition that is now in its 13th year. It has been a hot topic on the museum's official X and YouTube channels, and has been featured on national TV programs, with fans spreading not only locally but also nationwide. To find out the secret behind the continued success of the special exhibition "Beecoro Exhibition" for such a long period of time, members of the Operations Division and nomlog editorial team interviewed the two people in charge of the special exhibition.
*Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum "Yumeginga" Official​ ​YouTube​ ​Channel

[Exhibition staff]
​ ​Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum
​ ​Takayuki Kodama​ ​(right)
​ ​2003: Started working at the Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum
In 2006, he moved to NOMURA Co., Ltd., and continued to work at the Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum. He was the planner of the "BeeCoro Exhibition," and continues to create equipment for new projects. He has launched many hit projects, such as the summer vacation "Free Research Dojo," and continues to perform on stage at shows, making him a key player in increasing the number of fans at the museum.

Daiki Kitada​ ​(left)
​ ​2019: Started working at Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum
He encountered the "Beecoro Exhibition" during his high school years and exhibited at "Beecoro High School," which led him to work at the museum as a part-timer. After joining the museum, he was put in charge of the "Beecoro Exhibition." He also plans and produces everything from experimental equipment to YouTube videos. The exhibition device "Pendulum Wave," which he created in 2020, has been viewed more than 2.8 million times on X.

【interviewer】
NOMURA Co., Ltd. Co., Ltd.
​ ​Business Production Headquarters, 3rd General Affairs Department, Facilities Business Operations Department, Development Promotion Division
​ ​Miki Mori​ ​　Planning Director
​ ​Hino Natsuka　

Text: ​Hiroko Okazaki​ ​(nomlog Editorial Department)​ ​Photography: Yuhi Ito, Nagomi Yagi​ ​(nomlog Editorial Department)

 Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum "Yumeginga" | What is the spring special exhibition "Bicoro Exhibition"?

Hino
The "BeeCoro Exhibition" will begin in March 2025 and will be the 13th. First of all, could you tell us how the "BeeCoro Exhibition" started?

Kodama-san
"Beecoro" is an abbreviation of "marble rolling" and originally started as a way to hold a special exhibition like "Pitagoras Switch." It was very well received, and this year marks the 13th time it has been held.

Spring special exhibition "Bicoro Exhibition" 2011-2024

"Beecoro​ ​Exhibition"​ ​2024

forest
For a spring exhibition, which has a smaller budget than the summer exhibitions, it has been an unusually big hit, with the number of visitors during the exhibition period increasing year by year and helping to boost the annual visitor count as well.

The number of visitors to the spring exhibition​ ​has more than doubled​ ​since​ ​the first B-Colo exhibition in​ ​2011, and is expected to reach a record high by​ ​2024.
In fiscal 2024, the number of annual visitors is expected to recover to pre-COVID levels.

Kodama-san
That's right. If you look at the trend in the number of visitors during the spring exhibition period (from spring break to Golden Week) from before B-Colo until this year, the number of visitors has gradually increased from just under 30,000 people, and exceeded 60,000 for the first time in 2019. After that, the number dropped sharply due to the impact of the new coronavirus, but last year (2024), thanks to the synergistic effect of the renewal of the "Space Discovery Zone," the number of visitors exceeded 60,000, the highest number ever.

Hino
What do you think is the reason why the "BeeCoro Exhibition" has continued for so long? Are there any points that you pay particular attention to in order to continue it?

Kodama-san
To be honest, planning the annual "Beecoro Exhibition" and actually creating the Beecoro device is really hard work. But when I see the customers actually enjoying themselves, I think, "Let's do our best again next year!" and that's what's kept us going this far. Thankfully, every year, I can feel the number of visitors increasing steadily...

Kitada-san
There are some customers who come every spring without fail. I'm always happy to see them coming again. However, we've been going for 12 years, so the regulars have changed over the years.

Basically, the main visitors to the "BeeCoro Exhibition" are younger elementary school children, but over the past 12 years, they have (probably) graduated from elementary school and it seems like a new generation has taken over, and it is moving to realize how long the exhibition has been going on for.

forest
You remember the faces of your visitors. I have been attending the "BeeCoro" exhibition since its first event, and I get the impression that the staff and visitors at the museum are closer than at other facilities.

Kitada-san
Yes, I don't do it on a conscious level, but they come every year, so I naturally remember their faces. During the "Beecoro Exhibition", we sometimes repair the equipment in front of the visitors, so it may be easier to communicate directly with them. Some children even bring their own Beecoro equipment that they made as part of their school research project to show us.

forest
In addition to the loyal fans of the "BeeCoro Exhibition," there are also new generations of fans. You two have appeared on a TV program featuring BeeCoro. What was the response?

Kitada-san
In the past, it seemed like most visitors came from within Kyushu, such as Saga, Fukuoka, Nagasaki, and Kumamoto, but recently we've seen an increase in fans who come all the way from the Kansai and Kanto areas, such as Shiga, Tokushima, Tokyo, and Chiba, every year just for the B-Colo Exhibition, which really makes you realize the great influence of the media.

Hino
There are now museums holding "Beecoro Exhibitions."

Kodama-san
Yes, the Hamamatsu Science Museum, run by NOMURA Co., Ltd., has held the Bikoro Exhibition twice so far, and it has become such a popular event that children of the museum's visitors ask, "When is the next one?" At first, the equipment was lent out, but now the staff at the Hamamatsu Science Museum make everything by hand. It's great to see the joy of making things spreading.

How to create a unique exhibition | Think from the visitors' perspective and enjoy it yourself

forest
What kind of schedule and structure do you follow for planning and producing the annual "BeeCoro Exhibition"?

Kodama-san
Every year, production begins around November of the previous year in preparation for the opening in March, but during the "BeeCoro Exhibition" we already start talking about plans for the following year, such as "what we should do next year."

Kitada-san
This year, in addition to the two of us, seven members of the research exchange group built 16 Bikoro devices. Not only did I and Kodama belong to the "Earth Group," but members of the "Saga Group" and "Space Group" also joined in, and each person completed one device. The two of us decided on the theme of the exhibition together and shared it with the members, but the theme and story of each device was left up to the individual, so the individuality of the creator came out.

Kodama-san
Completing the device is a difficult task, but every year the staff from each team eagerly participates, saying they want to do it, which is a great help.

Hino
Kitada-san seems to carry a "BeeColo Memo" with him all the time. He shares the big themes among the members, but he doesn't share what he's going to make until it's finished. It's like a silent battle (laughs).

When do you usually think of or come up with ideas?

Kitada-san
During the "BeeCoro" exhibition, I'm always watching the customers. I get a lot of ideas from them.

However, since I think about Bikoro almost every day, it's not a big deal...or rather, I feel like I want to make Bikoro as soon as possible even on my days off! (laughs)

2017: Kitada-san's creation of the Bikoro device "Disposable Chopstick Land"

Mori-san
It's like walking through everyday life with Bicolo, or rather, it's like life itself.

It's amazing that even though the event has been held 12 times, new devices are always being created.

Kitada-san
In the past, about half of the equipment we exhibited at the B-Colo Exhibition was equipment that had received good reviews in the past, but we would hear customers say, "This was here last year, wasn't it?" This showed us how much customers had high expectations, so now we manufacture and exhibit all new B-Colo equipment every time.

forest
Speaking of something that has changed, I think the first "BeeCoro" exhibition also included explanations of the laws of acceleration and the principle of leverage...

Kodama
The explanatory panels are popular with parents, perhaps because they want to explain things to their children and make them aware of things, but I have the impression that too much explanation can hinder children's imagination. Now, we are shifting our focus from explanations to focusing on observing the movement of the marbles. The number of devices we create is gradually increasing, and we don't have enough exhibition space (laughs), but we value the idea of "gaining awareness through one's own experience."​

Kitada-san
I hope that the fun and joy gained from the "experience" will eventually lead to "learning" someday. Especially when they were little, rolling marbles was fun! It made them happy! I think it is important to give them such memories. I want them to go home with fun memories, not with a feeling of dislike for science.

Kodama-san
I would be happy if people think that they might be able to make something with things they have at home, and would like to try it. In the past, children had people around them who taught them the fun of making things and being creative, and they would imitate them as they played. I would like to play a role like that.

forest
At first glance, it may seem like they are making what they want to make, but they are evolving by closely observing the reactions of the children who are the main participants in the learning, but their underlying thoughts remain the same. This may be the reason why the "BeeCoro Exhibition" has continued for over 10 years and has become more and more popular every year.

Team building for special exhibitions | Free to do what you want! An environment where you can act immediately

forest
From here, I would like to ask about these two people who are indispensable to the "BeeCoro Exhibition."

Mr. Kodama, you are the one who came up with the idea for B-Colo, but is there anything that you still value and have remained the same since then?

Kodama-san
When I first came up with the idea for the "BeeCoro Exhibition," I wanted to create a friendly exhibition that people could make themselves. I still value the psychological familiarity of making things that can be made by hand using things that are readily available without spending money, and that anyone, regardless of whether they are a child or an adult, can imitate and want to try!

I've always loved crafting and making things, so when I saw the NHK program "Pitagoras Switch," I wondered if I could do something similar for my own original exhibition, so I submitted a proposal, and that's what has led me to where I am today.

forest
Not only B-Colo, Mr. Kodama is creating a series of projects that are enjoyed by visitors. The "Free Research Dojo" during the summer holidays is also very popular.

More than 5,000 people participated​ ​in​ ​"Free Research Dojo​ ​2024" during the summer vacation period

Hino
Not only did everyone make the Bicolo equipment, but they also posted on social media, including YouTube, all by themselves, which gives the "handmade feel" of the Bicolo Exhibition a unique approach that is hard to find anywhere else.

What made you become involved with B-Colo?

Kitada-san
I also watched "Pythagora Switch" when I was in the 5th grade of elementary school, and played with it in the classroom at school, rolling marbles by combining math sets and desks. In high school, I also played with my friends in the science club in the science lab, imitating the "Pythagora device". I continued doing what I "like", and it became my job... That's the situation now.

forest
It all started as a game in the science lab. Moreover, Kitada, who was a high school student at the time, and Kodama, a staff member at the science museum, had the same idea at the same time. It's a story that seems like fate!

Kitada-san
I first encountered the "Beecoro Exhibition" when I was in high school. When I saw that Takeo High School was participating in the "Beecoro High School" exhibition, which displays devices made by high school students in the prefecture, I was envious and decided to participate for the second year in a row.

Kodama-san
It was by far the most complete product. After that, I even got some university students to help out as part-timers...

Hino
So you both got jobs straight away. You've both been able to turn what you've loved since childhood into work, but what do you think is the reason you're still motivated to this day?

Kitada-san
Now, in addition to making the Bikoro equipment, I also make YouTube videos and shoot flyers, but the appeal of this job is that I can use my hobbies and skills to do what I like. The biggest thing is that I can do whatever I want, not just one thing, and that I'm in an environment where I can do it freely.

I think that's something only a leader like Mr. Kodama can do. Whenever I consult him about something, he always says, "Why not? Go ahead and try it." I'm really grateful for that.

Kodama-san
We often buy materials for the Bikoro equipment at 100 yen shops or home improvement centers, but the budget management is left to the person in charge, so it's easy to move around. Also, each staff member has high skills. It's a strength to have the ability to make anything ourselves. We outsourced large equipment at first, but now we make it ourselves.

2025​ ​"Beecoro​ ​x​ ​Toys Exhibition" Large Rolling Device Production Process

 School and business collaboration: The secret to connecting with the community

Hino
What kind of project is "Beecoro High School" that you also participated in when you were in high school? What specific initiatives do you take?

Kodama-san
Every year, we exhibit the Bikoro devices made by high school students from three or four high schools in Saga Prefecture at the "Bikoro Exhibition." Currently, we have high schools in the prefecture participating, but since it can also be used as teaching material for physics classes in high schools, we hope to spread this to the rest of the country in the future.

2024​ ​"Beecoro High School" | The science museum will specify the starting position and size.​ ​High school students will be free to create their own structure within the cost of materials (35,000 yen).

forest
You collaborate not only with schools, but also with local communities and businesses.

Kitada-san
Yes, for this 13th "Beecoro x Toys Exhibition," Japan Toys"R"Us Co., Ltd. provided us with toys. I asked a person in charge, whom I met on a TV program I appeared on last year, for advice, and he kindly agreed. These are the blocks used in the Beecoro device.

2025​ ​"Bicoro x Toys Exhibition" Exhibition cooperation with Toys"R"Us Japan Co., Ltd.

forest
This may be due to the characteristics of the region, but I get the impression that the exhibition makes use of the loose connections between people. What is the secret to building such flexible relationships?

Kodama-san
The connections between people who enjoy the event together are very important. For example, a teacher from B-Colo High School participated again at his new high school, which led to an increase in the number of participating schools. We are also always conscious of our connections with the local community. For example, we have used a large rolling device to introduce the tourist spots of Takeo Onsen, and when the Nishi-Kyushu Shinkansen opened, we worked with local tourism officials to hold a railway exhibition.

Kitada-san
This led me to create a Plarail railway diorama that is on display at Takeo Onsen Station on the Shinkansen line. I'm happy to be able to contribute even a little to local tourism in this way.
Takeo Onsen Station diorama display

 Future outlook | Making the "BeeCoro Exhibition" known nationwide

Hino
Finally, do you have any plans for the future of the "BeeCoro Exhibition"?

Kodama-san
I would like to spread the "BeeCoro Exhibition" nationwide. My dream would be to have a national traveling exhibition (laughs).

If you contact us, we can rent it out anywhere in the country. We can also accommodate requests for workshops, etc.

forest
By the way, you trademarked "Beecoro" in 2013. This is not to prevent you from using the name, but rather to spread the fun of "Beecoro" by using the name. It seems that you can expand the target of "Beecoro High School" to high schools all over the country, and your goals and dreams will continue to expand in the future.

This time, we interviewed him not only about the "BeeCoro Exhibition" but also because we wanted people to know that there is a team at the Saga Prefectural Space Science Museum that continues to create fascinating exhibits. We were able to hear a wonderful story about how the "love" and "fun" he has had since childhood has become his job, and how he continues to have that passion even now.

We hope you will come to the "BeeCoro Exhibition" and meet the two members of the research exchange group who have a "scientific heart." We look forward to seeing your continued success.

The 13th "Bicoro x Toys Exhibition" | Highlights of this exhibition

The theme of this year's "Beecoro Exhibition" is toys. About 20 beecoro devices using lots of toys will be exhibited in one place, and the "large-scale rolling device" over 20 meters long made by the "Yumeginga" beecoro production team, which ranked second in the nation in a TV program in 2021, will be revived for the first time in three years! Adults and children alike can return to their childhood and play with beecoro and toys!