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 on board. 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 Haruna Uesugi, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in promoting the appeal of Senshu towels at the West Japan Branch Office.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Do you know Izumisano City, located in the southern part of Osaka Prefecture on the opposite shore from Kansai International Airport? Inunaki, which belongs to the city, is home to Inunaki Shippotakiji Temple, Japan’s oldest Buddhist temple, founded by En no Gyoja some 1,300 years ago, as well as the only hot spring resort in the prefecture. It is also home to the Rinku Premium Outlets and other attractions that combine the richness of nature with the bustle of a lively tourist town.
We would like to introduce the charm of Senshu Towel, one of the specialties produced in Izumisano City. Senshu towels are made using abundant underground water from the Izumi Mountains, and are bleached and washed in water using a process called “post-bleaching” to remove glue, unnecessary oil, and impurities from the yarn. This process gives Senshu towels their characteristic “absorbency,” “cleanliness,” and “gentle touch.
–How are you involved in this effort?
In October 2020, Senshu Towel was selected as one of the 12 regional brands that will play a role in “creating a world-class brand for the Osaka-Kansai Expo in 2025. In February 2022, a new brand “Senshu Towel Living with Water” was established and a special online store was launched. We would like to take this opportunity to let our customers in Japan and overseas know the quality of Senshu towels.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
What do you look for when choosing towels? As mentioned above, Senshu towels are highly recommended for daily use as high-quality and highly functional towels. Towels are used daily in a variety of situations, so you want to choose towels that are clean and gentle to the skin.
In February 2025, we plan to open a pop-up Senshu Towel store at the Haneda Sanchoku Kan on the 2nd floor of Terminal 1 at Haneda Airport. At that time, we plan to sell a new towel product developed in cooperation with the Osaka Towel Manufacturers Association and JAL with the aim of revitalizing Izumisano City. I was also involved in the design. Please come and experience the quality of Senshu towels.
–What is your message to travelers?
There is a store in Rinku Premium Outlets where Senshu towels can be purchased. Many of our customers who travel through Kansai Airport visit the outlet before or after boarding their flights. You can also purchase towels on our e-commerce site. We also recommend that you use your hometown tax payment at the end of the year. Senshu towels are very popular as a tax return gift. Please take this opportunity to visit JAL’s Furusato Tax Payment website.
© Source travel watch
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