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.
This time we spoke with Moe Sakata, a member of the JAL Hometown Support Team, who is involved in the utilization of silver furo beans in Kochi.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello everyone! I am Sakata, JAL Furusato Ambassador for Kochi Prefecture. I was the JAL Furusato Ambassador for Shikoku until March 2023.
Today, I would like to introduce a cinnamon roll that uses “Ginburo-umame,” a specialty of Otoyo-cho, Kochi Prefecture, where I helped work in the fields during my tenure as an ambassador!
Otoyo Town is located in the northern part of Kochi Prefecture, surrounded by beautiful mountains and rich in nature.
The Yoshino River, also known as “Shikoku Saburo,” flows through the area and is a mecca for rafting in the summer, attracting visitors from all over Japan and the world.
–How are you involved in this effort?
Otoyo Town in Kochi Prefecture, blessed with such abundant nature, is famous for its specialty, “Ginfuro-mame,” or “phantom beans.
Grown only in a limited area of Otoyo Town, these black beans are extremely rare and have been said to “bring longevity to those who eat them.
In recent years, the aging of growers and a declining population have led to a decline in the production of silver furo beans.
In order to pass on Otoyo Town’s treasure, the silver furo beans, to future generations, JAL members, mainly from the Kochi Branch, work together with local residents to help grow silver furo beans throughout the year.
The farmers did everything by themselves from preparation, seed planting, harvesting, and sorting of the beans, resulting in shiny, flavorful, silver beans again this year.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
This time, we collaborated with Maison Kaiser to develop “Ginfuro Bean Cinnamon Rolls” using the precious Ginfuro Beans from Otoyo Town!
Locally, it is usually served with sushi mixed with vinegared rice, but this time it is paired with bread.
The sweetness of the silver beans is a perfect match for the cinnamon spice, and when served slightly warmed, the aroma and the bean dusting are enhanced.
–What is your message to travelers?
On March 9, Otoyo Town, Maison Kaiser, and JAL held an event to unveil “Ginkgo Furozu Cinnamon Rolls” at the JAL Sky Museum! Everyone who came to the event tasted the rolls, and they were very well received.
It is available in limited quantities at Maison Kaiser’s stores nationwide. We hope you will try it!
And please come and visit Otoyo Town, Kochi Prefecture! Magnificent nature and dazzling sunshine await you.
© Source travel watch
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