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 as flight attendants. 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. Kinuyo Mochiki, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in promoting the charms of Amami Oshima in Kagoshima.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
It will soon be three years since Amami Oshima was registered as a World Natural Heritage site, and I think it is time to start thinking and acting in earnest about how sustainable tourism should be. I myself have been traveling around the Amami Islands for two years as an ambassador, and with the desire to “take another look at the charms of the various regions of Amami Oshima,” I participated in the “Monitoring Tour to learn about tourism and regions changing from quantity to quality for sustainability” organized by the Kagoshima Prefectural Tourism Federation. I participated in the tour!
Please visit the Kagoshima Travel website for information on sightseeing in Kagoshima Prefecture.
–How are you involved in this effort?
The monitoring tour consists of three courses: “Amami Forest Course”, “Southern Course”, and “Northern Course”. This time, I participated in the “Amami Forest” course, which toured “Kinsakubaru” where many natural subtropical broad-leaved trees remain among the mountains of Amami Oshima, and “Amami Nature Observation Forest” where visitors can walk around in a large park making use of nature while observing plants, wild birds, insects, etc. indigenous to Amami.
At the Amami Nature Observation Forest, we strolled through the forest while listening to the guide. We learned that each plant and creature has its own name and characteristics, and that the Amami Forest is home to so many rare plants and animals, which we could not have realized if we had only strolled alone in the forest. At the observatory, a spectacular view of the beautiful ocean, blue sky, and green contrasts awaited us!
After taking a lunch break at “Araba Shokudo” where you can enjoy nostalgic home-style cooking of the Aranami area using seasonal local ingredients prepared by local mothers, we will visit “Nishihira Shuzo” which has been in business for 97 years and produces brown sugar shochu (distilled spirit) only allowed to be made in the Amami Islands. Nishidaira Shuzo, which has been in business for 97 years and is only allowed to be made in the Amami Islands.
The 4th generation musician, Serena Nishidaira, has introduced the Sonic Aging method, in which the brown sugar shochu in the barrels is aged by listening to 6 kinds of music: rock, reggae, latin, house, hip-hop, and Amami island songs. Sometimes, they let their guests listen to live music with fellow musicians!
–What are your future plans and prospects?
This year, JAL Group will celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Kagoshima – Amami Oshima, Amami Oshima – Kikaijima, and Amami Oshima – Tokunoshima routes. As an airline that has served the islands for a long time, we will continue to make various efforts to propose sustainable tourism in cooperation with everyone involved in tourism on the islands and with the local community.
In order to protect the precious nature of Kinsakubaru, we have established rules for its use (e.g., use only when accompanied by a certified eco-tour guide, limit the number of visitors, etc.). Please follow the rules and enjoy the area.
–What is your message to travelers?
When most people hear the name Amami Oshima, they probably imagine a southern island = the sea. Of course, the crystal clear ocean is also attractive, but the forests are home to many rare plants and animals, and you may be able to see the Amami rabbit, which is designated as a special natural treasure of Japan, and possibly even the Amami forest fairy “Kenmun”. …… Please come to Oshima by JAL wings!
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