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 Tamako Sekiguchi, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in baked sugarcane sandwiches in Hokkaido.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
YOSHIMI’s desire to “bring enjoyment to customers through food” and JAL’s hometown ambassador’s desire to “deliver the attractiveness of Hokkaido’s food by connecting Hokkaido’s primary industry to its sixth industry” came together to create the “Baked Toki Bean Sandwich”.
The Baked Corn Sandwich, released on November 20, is a sumptuous sandwich made with Hokkaido corn and potatoes. YOSHIMI, which operates a Western-style restaurant, supervised the product, while the JAL Furusato Ambassadors were in charge of suggesting ingredients and planning.
–How are you involved in this effort?
The “Yakitokibi Sandwich” is made with Hokkaido corn, potato salad made with “Sayaka” potatoes, and ham as an accent. The savory flavor of the grilled corn butter is reminiscent of the grilled corn on the cob wagon that we enjoyed in Sapporo’s Odori Park during the brisk summer season, and is a perfect match for the potato salad. The size is easy to eat with one hand, making it an easy way to enjoy delicious vegetables from Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is a treasure trove of agricultural products = foodstuffs that represent Japan, but due to the declining birthrate and environmental changes, the number of farmers is decreasing year by year.
We have proposed the food items in the hope that as many people as possible will eat Hokkaido vegetables and support Hokkaido’s primary industry.
In addition, by processing the summer harvested cane, food loss is reduced and seasonal flavors can be enjoyed throughout the year.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
Sales support campaign by JAL hometown ambassadors will be held at JAL PLAZA Central Gate Shop and Gate 14 Shop at New Chitose Airport.
Please take this opportunity to taste it.
© Source travel watch