JAL, which has bases throughout Japan, has been continuously implementing regional revitalization initiatives (currently the “JAL Furusato Project”), and in August 2020 launched the “JAL Furusato Ambassadors,” cabin crew members selected through an in-house recruitment process who move to the area to promote initiatives in their respective regions. In December of the same year, JAL appointed “JAL Hometown Cheering Troops” who are involved in regional revitalization while serving as flight attendants. The aim is to develop products and solve regional issues for hometowns and other regions with which they have connections, utilizing the knowledge they have accumulated as flight attendants.
We interviewed Ms. Yukiko Sakai, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the “Traveling Makers’ Dinner Imari” at the Kyushu Branch Office.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
As part of the “JAL Furusato Project,” Japan Airlines and Ore no K.K. launched an initiative in November 2022 to attract customers to the region by introducing local foods and products and stimulating interest in the region.
My French Grand Maison Otemachi, a restaurant in Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, has been holding a series of dinner events utilizing local ingredients, etc. This time, as the fifth such event, “Traveling Makers’ Dinner Imari” was held on September 24. On September 24, we held the “Traveling Makers’ Dinner Imari,” the fifth such event, featuring French cuisine prepared with produce grown in the rich natural environment of Imari and served on historic Imari ware dishes.
–How are you involved in this effort?
I guided Imari in the selection of ingredients and served as MC on the day of the dinner event.
I was very impressed by the enthusiasm of Mr. Hasegawa, the manager and sommelier, and Chef Kamiki, who wanted to ask many questions to the producers and gain a deeper understanding of Imari’s ingredients. Since there is no winery in Imari, they used Imari’s plum wine as an aperitif, adopted wines from regions similar to Imari’s climate and natural features, and invited guests to enjoy a blind tasting (i.e., to drink wine without knowing what kind of wine it is and guessing the main variety, country, region of origin and vintage of the wine) on the day of the event. The event was full of great ideas from Mr. Hasegawa, such as having the guests enjoy the wines blind tasting.
The producer said, “The ingredients are wonderful, so it tastes best with salt and pepper,” and Chef Kamiki said, “I had to think about the menu until the day before the event,” as if we were watching a battle between an ingredient professional and a culinary professional! Of course, all the dishes turned out to be wonderful French cuisine, and the guests were very satisfied.
In addition, on the day of the event, President Hataishi of Hataman Toen came to the venue as the first special event and explained the charms of Imariyaki. The event was a great success, providing a rare opportunity to talk directly with the producers and many questions from customers!
–What are your future plans and prospects?
The 2023 “Tong Tentong Festival” will be held October 19-22 in Imari City and downtown.
This event is held to express gratitude and prayers to the god of Imari Shrine, and a parade and battle are held in the city center. On the last day of the festival, the “Kawarochishi,” in which the portable shrines of both shrines and the danshaku are paired up and floated down the Imari River, is a spectacular sight to behold! I will be participating in the JAL booth on October 21-22, selling JAL goods to liven up the festival!
In addition, many of the Imari specialties enjoyed at this dinner event are available as JAL hometown tax return gifts. We hope you will feel the charm of Imari at home.
–What is your message to travelers?
Imari is accessible from three airports: 1 hour and 20 minutes by car from Fukuoka Airport, and 1 hour from Saga and Nagasaki Airports!
The town flourished as a shipping port for pottery called “Ko-Imari,” and the 30 kilns gathered in Okawachiyama, the “home of hidden kilns,” carry on the tradition of Nabeshima, which was cultivated in the domain kilns, to the present day. It is also a “village of fruits” where you can taste fruits throughout the four seasons. Especially from summer to autumn, you can find many direct sales stands selling pears, grapes, and Shine Muscat. A fruit-picking experience is also recommended! Imari beef, the finest Japanese black beef, is also one of Imari’s representative specialties. There are many restaurants specializing in Imari beef in the city, so be sure to try it there.
Please also check On Trip JAL and Imari’s official YouTube page for more information on Imari’s attractions.
The next trip will be to Imari!
© Source travel watch
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