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 Ms. Megumi Yamamoto, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in air education in Kyoto Prefecture.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Have you ever heard of “sky education”? Many of you may be seeing it for the first time.
In late February, JAL employees traveled to Uji Tawara-cho, Kyoto Prefecture, to give a class, known as “Kuiku (Sky Education),” to children. Soraiku” literally means “education about the sky,” and is the name of the JAL Group’s program to nurture the next generation by having children experience the wonder of the sky, discover new things, learn more, and think about their dreams for the future and their future.
This time, “Uji Tawaracho Special Edition of Sorority Education” was held for 63 sixth graders from two elementary schools in Uji Tawaracho. The following is a report on the event!
The southern area of Kyoto Prefecture is known as “Kyoto of Tea,” an area that includes five cities, six towns, and one village, and Uji-Tawaracho is known as the “birthplace of Japanese green tea. Uji-Tawaracho is known as the “birthplace of Japanese green tea” because it is the birthplace of Soen Nagatani, the founder of Japanese green tea, and the entire town is steeped in tea culture and history.
The title “Heart ♡ Town” is because, as the name suggests, Uji Tawara Town is heart-shaped. The moment we stepped into the school building on the day of the event, we were warmly welcomed by all the people involved and all the children. It is a town where the people who live there also have hearts of heart.
–How are you involved in this effort?
It all started with a visit to JAL’s hometown tax payment site with a request for introduction. The person in charge was full of love for his hometown and spoke passionately about it. One of the topics that came up was “air education.
The town of Ujitawara is promoting the “Future Challengers Challenger Training PROJECT (commonly known as Mirachare). The program provides a wide variety of opportunities for children to experience the town and its people according to their grade level, so that when they become adults, they will be able to think, “I am who I am today thanks to the town,” and also to feel affection and pride for their hometown where they were born and raised. (Uji Tawara Town uses all donations for the children who will lead the future.)
Uji Tawaracho’s and JAL’s desire to “benefit children” coincided and led to the realization of this “Uji Tawaracho Special Edition Air Education” program.
After many discussions with the Board of Education, it was decided that the day’s program would consist of three parts: a lecture by a flight attendant, a job introduction by a flight attendant, and an experience of wearing the uniform! The main part of the program will be a 60-minute lecture by a flight attendant.
Using original slide presentations and model airplanes, we conveyed how airplanes fly, our own careers, and the importance of having dreams. Although we were concerned about the somewhat difficult physical content of the presentation, our fears were unfounded as the flight attendants were surrounded by children who had questions during the break time. During the introduction of the flight attendants’ work, we introduced their backgrounds, talked about the role of flight attendants, and gave them time to try their hand at a beautiful bow.
The seriousness of the children’s eyes during class and their innocence during the question-and-answer session and the “pretend uniform” experience reminded me of how I felt when I first started working in this field.
I was very happy to hear from some of the children, including one aspiring pilot who wore a flight jacket and eagerly awaited the day, and another who secretly told me after class that she actually wanted to be a cabin attendant or a ground staff member.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
During the approximately two years I have been with the Kyoto Branch, I have had the opportunity to interact with many children and students. Sometimes as an instructor, I gave lectures on the work of flight attendants and the role of an airline company, and sometimes as a certified JAL origami airplane instructor*, I conducted JAL origami airplane classes at several elementary schools in Kyoto Prefecture. Because there are no airports in the area, we will continue to work steadily to help people learn about JAL as a company and expand their horizons and interests like the sky.
Could one of the 63 children we met this time be a future pilot or cabin attendant? It is very exciting to think that these 63 children may be the future pilots and cabin attendants of the future!
Under the guidance of the Origami Airplane Association, the JAL Group has trained approximately 1,600 certified instructors within the company to hold Origami Airplane Classes in various locations.
–What is your message to travelers?
When you hear the words “travel to Kyoto,” do you think of the famous sightseeing spots in the city?
We hope you will take this opportunity to look at the “Kyoto of Tea” area. Wazuka Town produces most of the Uji tea produced in Kyoto Prefecture, Joyo City produces the largest amount of figs in Kyoto Prefecture, Kizugawa City has the second largest number of national treasures and important cultural assets after Kyoto City, and Kyotanabe City has Ikkyu-san’s temple (Kyuonan Ikkyu-ji), all of which have been recognized as Japan Heritage No. 1. Kizugawa City is a rich natural area.
We look forward to welcoming everyone!
© Source travel watch
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