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 promoting the charms of the region in Akamura, Fukuoka Prefecture.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Have you ever heard of “Aka” village in Fukuoka Prefecture, the only place in Japan where the name of the municipality is a single kanji character that represents a color? Located in the eastern part of the Chikuho region of Fukuoka Prefecture, an hour and a half drive from Fukuoka Airport, this nature-rich area has a strong affinity with “red,” the corporate color of Japan Airlines!
Since the Comprehensive Collaborative Agreement signed on April 22, 2022, Japan Airlines and Akamura have been engaged in a variety of activities, such as conducting monitoring tours to discover the charms of the region, and holding “Manners Classes,” “Origami Hikoi Classes,” and “JAL Athlete Academy” to develop human resources. JAL Athlete Academy” for the purpose of human resource development. There are also employees on loan from JAL in Akamura, and we would like to continue working together to revitalize the region by disseminating information and attracting visitors.
–How are you involved in this effort?
I have been involved in many projects, such as participating in policies and disseminating information to uncover the charms of Akamura, and hosting various events.
In the first phase of the partnership agreement, we participated with experts in a monitoring program to experience the outdoors and nature based at the “Genji-no-mori” complex. Genjii-no-Mori is located a two-minute walk from Genjii-no-Mori Station on the Heisei-Chikuho Railway, and includes a campsite, lodging facilities, hot springs, and sauna facilities.
Aside from the camping experience in beautiful nature, there are also dome houses, lodges, bungalows, and trailer houses to choose from according to your needs.
Every winter, “Akamura Furusato Bamboo Light” is held, and in 2023 I was in charge of making bamboo lanterns and presiding over the lighting ceremony. It was very moving to see the 300 bamboo lanterns, which were all made by hand with local residents, light up.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
From March through November, the “Akamura Trolley Aburasubara Line” will operate once a month, operated by village volunteer staff. On March 24, the first day of operation this year, JAL original beef consommé soup will be served to all passengers. Please come and visit us to experience a fantastic railroad.
In addition to this, Akamura is also making efforts to brand its cured pork, which has won the Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Award. When we interviewed the producer and the direct sales store, we heard their passionate desire to deliver safe and tasty meat to our tables. We also offer this meat as a JAL hometown tax return gift. We especially recommend the hand-kneaded hamburger steak! We hope you will try our hamburger steak.
–What is your message to travelers?
In spring, the Heisei Chikuho Railway, a local railroad, runs through a tunnel of cherry blossoms, and in early summer, you can see the fantastic scenery of fireflies dancing in the air. In summer, the campground is crowded with many families and campers, and the riverside is filled with the cheerful voices of children. In winter, the warm glow of bamboo lights brightly illuminate the night sky. You can spend your time doing nothing but relaxing and enjoying the outdoors! Or enjoy the outdoors! Please come and visit the beautiful and tranquil nature of Aka-mura to feel the beautiful breeze.
© Source travel watch
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.
Auto Amazon Links: No products found.