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 spoke with Junko Bannai, a JAL Furusato Ambassador in Kumamoto Prefecture, who tells us about the charms of Aso Kujyu National Park.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
I am JAL Furusato Ambassador Bannai from Kumamoto Prefecture, and I have been fascinated by Kumamoto for 7 years since I moved here. Do you know where the largest caldera in the world is located?
Those who thought of the caldera of Aso! Thank you! But incorrect! The largest caldera in the world is Toba Caldera in Indonesia.
The reason why the Aso Caldera is world famous is because it is a very rare caldera in the world where people live in the caldera, trains run in the caldera, and people have been living in the caldera for more than 1,000 years.
Mr. Bannai of Japan Airlines, the “Official Partner of Aso Kujyu National Park” including the Aso Caldera, will share with you the charms of Aso Kujyu National Park!
–How are you involved in this effort?
The grasslands of Aso are called “semi-natural grasslands. This means that the grasslands do not exist in their natural state, but are established through the relationship between people and nature.
By burning the fields once a year in early spring, forestation can be inhibited and the grasslands can be maintained as they are.
Since ancient times, people in this area have made maximum use of the grasslands by grazing cattle and horses, securing grass for thatched roofs, cattle and horse feed, and compost. However, changes in lifestyle and liberalization of beef imports have reduced the area of grasslands in Aso by about half over the past 100 years.
Japan Airlines signed a partnership agreement with Aso City in March 2023, and one of its goals is to preserve this idyllic and wonderful scenery for 1,000 years to come.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
What energizes those who protect the grasslands is the utilization of the grasslands.
The grasslands of Aso can be used in a variety of ways, including as a field for activities and as a pasture for red cattle, which have traditionally been raised in Aso.
This time, we experienced a cycle tour inside the meadow, which can only be entered by taking a guided tour.
On this day, we rode e-bikes on an 8-km course from the Aso Volcano Museum up to the Nakadake Crater and down through the grasslands. The grasslands were in full awn season. It was exhilarating and thrilling to ride through the silver grass as tall as I was, controlling my e-bike so as not to fall down. Next time, I would like to participate with my family and friends from other prefectures!
It was very interesting to learn about the unique creatures and plants of Aso from the guide and about the Kobonaka Ruins, which are the remains of a group of 51 hermitage temples built in the grassland between the Kamakura and Muromachi Periods, including 37 temples. The tour fee includes a grassland conservation fee, so you can contribute to the maintenance of the grassland by participating in this tour, where you can learn about the precious and rich ecosystem and history of Aso.
–What is your message to travelers?
There are other ways to contribute to the conservation of the grasslands of Aso.
This is a system whereby you become an investor (red cow owner) of the red cow introduction loan and support the purchase and grazing of red cows. During the 5-year ownership period, you can name your own red cow, write your name on the back of the cow, and interact with the cow. There are also exchange meetings with the host farmers, making this a very warm and welcoming program.
The investment is 300,000 yen, and after deducting membership fees and farmer support money, 260,000 yen worth of red beef and other Aso specialties will be delivered to your home during the ownership period.
I feel that a major first step in contributing to grassland conservation is for everyone to get to know and care about Kumamoto and Aso.
Noyaki, or burning in the field, is the foundation of grassland conservation in Aso. The work is carried out based on a thorough knowledge of the terrain, reading the wind, and many years of experience.
It is said that a total of 8,000 people are needed to burn the fields, but the lack of successors is making it difficult to do so.
JAL is also helping to create associates who will be involved in wildland firefighting, which is essential for protecting the grasslands of Aso.
I too will participate in the wildfire next spring.
The dynamic burning meadows are a sight to behold, but what you should definitely see is the scene where the blackened meadows are covered with shiny green young grasses a few weeks later.
We invite you to visit the Aso grasslands, a world treasure, to contribute to the conservation and utilization of the Aso grasslands, which are created by people and nature together.
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