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 JAL Furusato Ambassadors Mizuki Obarai, in charge of Oita, and Momoko Nobusue, in charge of Fukuoka, who are involved in the JTB/JR Kyushu/JAL collaboration tours.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello! This is Obarai, JAL Furusato Ambassador for Oita Prefecture.
From May 28 to June 1, “Spring Train Tour in Kyushu by JR Kyushu’s sightseeing train ’36 Plus 3′” was held!
Two JAL hometown ambassadors from Kyushu, who have a desire to “transcend the boundaries between air and land and enliven Kyushu as a whole,” boarded the “36 Plus 3,” a sightseeing train that circles Kyushu, on a four-day tour organized, planned, and implemented by JTB (for details on the black 787 “36 Plus 3 Click here for details).
We bring you a report on the second half of the special collaboration between JTB, JR Kyushu, and JAL, where you can fully experience the charms of Kyushu while following local train lines and enjoying the hospitality of each region♪.
–How are you involved in this effort?
Two Kyushu ambassadors were on board each day of this “36 Plus 3” trip. The third day of the second half of the trip was “Midori-no-Michi” (Green Road). Arizono, in charge of Miyazaki Prefecture, and Hanashima, in charge of Oita Prefecture in the previous year, guided the tour.
The train departed from Miyazaki and arrived at Nobeoka Station, a hospitality station along the way, where local people sold local products. We were very happy to see many people picking up products using “Nobeoka fish.
The train will then head to Saiki Station, a stopover station, while passing through the unexplored Sotaro Station.
Upon arrival, we were greeted by a traditional Tsuruoka Hachiman/Kamiko drum performance by local residents. After listening to the powerful and wonderful taiko performance, which is unique to the local area, we headed to the lunch venue.
What a big tuna here for lunch that day!
A powerful tuna dismantling show was held at the venue, and we were served sushi made by artisans on the spot. The freshness of the tuna made it the ultimate in luxury.
The tuna served this time was caught in Saiki City, Oita Prefecture. Unfrozen “fresh” tuna is very rare, and its freshness and flavor were exceptional.
It was a special time to enjoy the bounty of the sea with all five senses.
Other warm hospitality from the community included the introduction of Saiki sesame dashi, a local dish, sake tasting by a sake brewer, and a chorus performed by Saiki Kids. It was a special time when we could implement hospitality in unison with the local community.
In addition, consommé soup, which can be enjoyed on JAL flights, was served on the train, and “Tobitate Snuts,” smoked snacks that the ambassadors worked on commercializing with the social welfare corporation, Forest of Hope Taiyo Farm in Saiki City, were given as gifts.
On the fourth day, “Blue Road” started from Beppu Station, a hot spring resort. Nobusue, in charge of Fukuoka Prefecture, and Obarai, in charge of Oita Prefecture, guided the tour.
At the hospitality stations of the day, Kitsuki and Nakatsu, participants enjoyed selling local specialties and interacting with local residents. Nakatsu City is the birthplace of Yukichi Fukuzawa. He also prepared the following illustration on the platform.
The train heads north, taking in the beautiful nature along the Nippo Honsen line, to Mojiko Station in Kitakyushu, a stopover station.
In Mojiko Port, after feasting on fugu (blowfish) cuisine, we enjoyed a free stroll through the retro streets, filled with the sea breeze. At lunch, we gave a demonstration in front of the audience while they exercised their bodies!
The four-day train trip was finally coming to an end. In the train, each ambassador distributed message cards and candies made in the image of the route he or she was in charge of, as a token of appreciation to all participants.
The theme for the Blue Road episodes was “Memories of the 4-day tour”. It was a great way to end the trip, with many of you filling in the blanks about the hospitality and fun you felt on this trip.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
The JAL hometown ambassadors in Kyushu got together and together with JTB and JR Kyushu, we were able to create such a wonderful circle that connects Kyushu. We will continue to further deepen our activities to spread the charm of all of Kyushu and the regions we are in charge of.
–What is your message to travelers?
We have packed the best of Kyushu into 5 days for your enjoyment, but there is still much more to Kyushu, including its charms, scenery, and deep history that remains unknown. There are still many more wonderful things to see and do in Kyushu that cannot be described in full!
In addition to the 36 Plus 3, JR Kyushu also offers a variety of D&S trains, allowing you to enjoy the unique scenery and delicious food that makes Kyushu so special.
We hope you will visit Kyushu and discover its new charms.
*All local events introduced above are organized, planned, and implemented by JTB.
© Source travel watch
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