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. Yuko Miyamoto, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in promoting the charms of Naruto and Awaji Island in Tokushima.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello. I am Yuko Miyamoto, the first JAL hometown ambassador in Tokushima Prefecture.
I would like to share with you the many wonderful attractions of Tokushima, my favorite island in Shikoku.
JAL proposes a trip to Naruto and Awaji Island as a “city to enjoy seasonal food and scenery. In this region rich in the bounty of the sea and mountains, agriculture, fishing, and livestock farming are thriving, and fresh, seasonal foods are readily available.
Naruto and Awaji Island are accessible by bus from Tokushima Airport, Osaka, Kobe, and Kyoto, and buses are also available from Hiroshima, Okayama, and Takamatsu. If you are traveling to the Kansai region or other nearby areas, we highly recommend that you extend your visit to this area full of nature.
–How are you involved in this effort?
This time we visited the Otsuka Museum of Art, one of the largest art museums in Japan, located in Naruto Park. Access is very convenient, and direct buses are available from all of the bus areas mentioned above.
The Otsuka Museum of Art, celebrating its 27th anniversary, exhibits approximately 1,000 full-scale ceramic reproductions of Western masterpieces from the collections of more than 190 museums in 26 countries around the world.
Art Cosplay Fest 2025 is being held from July 23 to November 3.
This year’s festival, the ninth of its kind, is a cosplay festival unique to the Otsuka Museum of Art, where visitors can dress up in the costumes of the characters in the works and take photos at booths.
This year, you can enjoy a total of seven works, including Botticelli’s “Spring (La Primavera)”.
Among them, the dress from La Tour’s “Portrait of Madame de Pompadour” is an original reproduction, down to the fabric print, with the cooperation of a historical clothing researcher. Dressing is very easy: simply put a pannier around your waist over your clothes as instructed, slip the sleeves of the dress on, and button the buttons at the chest. Chokers and mules were also provided.
There are also pieces for groups and families to enjoy together, and costumes are available in children’s sizes.
From July to September, the blooming of the “Blue Water Lilies,” which Monet was unable to make bloom in France for many years, can be seen in the ponds around Monet’s “Great Water Lilies”.
*Blooming time varies depending on weather and variety.
If you get hungry, take a break at the museum’s restaurant/cafe.
The “Water Lily Lunch,” available in limited quantities until August, features a refreshing broccoli sauce that resembles Monet’s water lily pond, along with Tokushima’s specialty, breaded Awao chicken with cheese.
The sweet “Green Harmony” is also in season, with sweet melon and emerald green jelly that resembles a pond of water lilies, which is very cool.
Both menus were full of seasonality and art.
From September 2, “Van Gogh Lunch” and “Cafe Terrace at Night – Naruto Kintoku Mousse” named after Van Gogh will be available. Please enjoy these special menus, which are available for a limited time and in limited quantities.
–What is your message to travelers?
I was able to enjoy art at the Otsuka Museum of Art, where there is so much to see.
Art cosplay allows you to get to know the artwork more deeply as you observe it carefully. We hope you will try it and experience art from a different angle. For more information, please visit the official website of the Otsuka Museum of Art.
JAL is running the “Let’s go to Naruto and Awaji Island! JAL is currently running the “Let’s go to Naruto and Awaji Island” campaign, which offers a discount on air tickets. We look forward to welcoming you to Tokushima, a place where beautiful nature still remains!
*Photographs were taken of works on display at the Otsuka Museum of Art.
© Source travel watch
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