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 interviewed Ms. Hiroko Kanekawa, a JAL Furusato Ambassador in Kagawa, who is promoting Kompira Kabuki in Kagawa.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Have you ever heard of the Shikoku Kompira Kabuki Grand Theater?
Kabuki performances are held every spring in Kotohira-cho, Kagawa Prefecture, attracting kabuki fans from all over Japan, and are known as a springtime tradition in Shikoku.
In 2025, the play will be performed from April 4 to 20, and a special tour to enjoy the play is now available from JAL Pack.
When you actually visit, you will be full of surprises! A special experience that can only be had here awaits you. Let us introduce you to the charms of Kompira Kabuki.
–What is the appeal of the Shikoku Kompira Kabuki Grand Theater?
The venue is the “Old Kinpira Grand Theater,” the oldest existing playhouse in Japan. It is also known as Kanamaruza. Upon entering the theater, visitors are overwhelmed by the unique world view that makes them feel as if they have stepped back in time.
What is even more surprising is the proximity to the stage. During the performance, the actors walk between the audience seats and you can even feel their breathing.
The “Mawari-butai” and other devices are all human-powered! Local volunteers work together to support the Kompira Kabuki.
And what a surprise! This year, Shido Nakamura will appear for the first time.
–What is JAL’s unique approach to supporting the “Shikoku Kompira Kabuki Grand Theatre”?
A happy coincidence is that the “Saeki Tsurunomaru,” the crest of the former Konpira Grand Theatre (Kanamaru-za), where the Konpira Kabuki plays are held, and the “Tsurumaru” of JAL look exactly alike.
JAL original pouch born from the connection between the two “cranes” is now on sale.
It will be on sale at Kompira Kabuki venues and on the web from April 3. It was produced in collaboration with “Dye Master Yoshinoya,” a long-established dye shop in Kotohira Town.
Each piece is made by hand with thought and care using the traditional Kagawa Prefecture “Sanuki Nori Dyeing” technique.
JAL flight attendants with connections to Kagawa Prefecture were also involved in the design process.
© Source travel watch
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