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 spoke with Ms. Edaho Aizawa, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the Sendai Tanabata Festival at the Tohoku Branch Office.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
This is Aizawa from JAL Furusato Ambassador Tohoku Branch.
I am in charge of Iwate, Akita and Fukushima, mainly Miyagi and Yamagata. I moved to Miyagi and have been fascinated by Tohoku. Here are some of the jobs I am currently working on.
Sendai Tanabata Festival is a traditional festival that has been held since the time of Lord Date Masamune, the founder of the Sendai domain, and is one of the representative summer festivals in Tohoku, with gorgeous Tanabata decorations filling the arcades of Sendai. On August 5, the day before the festival, approximately 16,000 fireworks will light up the night sky, adding to the excitement of the Sendai Tanabata Festival.
The Tohoku Branch, wishing to help create a lively atmosphere for the historic Tanabata Festival, applied for the “Tanabata Decoration Bank,” an initiative that allows companies outside of the shopping district to display Tanabata decorations, and our employees have been involved in the design process.
–How are you involved in this effort?
This year, since I am from Miyagi Prefecture, I designed all the Tanabata decorations.
The red and white base color is typical of JAL, and we were conscious of expressing the “tradition,” “innovation,” and “spirit of Japan” of the JAL brand in a simple but recognizable design.
A total of 477 members from branch offices, branches, and airports in all seven prefectures of Tohoku (six prefectures in Tohoku and Niigata) painstakingly made approximately 600 origami cranes, and their creations were on display, filled with everyone’s thoughts and feelings. We would be happy if the people of Tohoku could feel closer to JAL.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
Every year, after the Sendai Tanabata Festival is over, these works will be displayed on the 2nd floor of Sendai Airport, near the JAL counter. This year, it will be on display until 9:00 p.m. on August 30, and will welcome you with Tanabata decorations.
In addition to the Sendai Tanabata Festival, we are working to create a lively Tohoku region through a variety of festivals and events, so please visit us to discover the charm of Tohoku.
–What is your message to travelers?
Summer in Miyagi is relatively cool, with pleasant mornings and evenings even in mid-summer. Why not escape the hustle and bustle of the city and visit Miyagi as a summer retreat? We hope you will enjoy Miyagi as much as possible, as it is a gastronomic city of delicious fish, rice, sake, and wine.
In the coming winter, Sendai will also host the “Sendai Pageant of Light” (official X@sendaipageant), an event that Sendai is proud to be a part of. Hundreds of thousands of LED bulbs will be installed along the zelkova trees on Jozenji-dori Avenue, enveloping the city in warm colors. We look forward to seeing you in such a wonderful city, Miyagi!
© Source travel watch
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