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 Ms. Chisaki Phillips, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the Triangle Island tour in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Under the concept of “ENERGY OF PEACE,” Hiroshima Prefecture is strengthening the Hiroshima brand with three key concepts: “energetic, delicious, and easy to live with.
The abundance of fresh seafood from the sea and the mountains, the peaceful climate, the desire for peace, and the energy that has achieved reconstruction are the driving force behind the city of Hiroshima as it heads toward tomorrow. I have been fascinated by the resilient and energetic city of Hiroshima for 13 years now, having moved here from the Kanto region.
In this issue, we introduce a tour rooted in local history and culture on Mikado Island in Kure City, Hiroshima Prefecture, which is also known for the Yamato Museum and Haisagamine, one of the 100 best night views in the world.
–How are you involved in this effort?
As one of the Kure City Tourism Contents Creation Projects for FY2023, we planned and produced “A Journey to Become a Producer: A Toast at Triangle Island on a Full Moon Night” in cooperation with Naorai.
The setting is Mikakushima Island, where a temporary shrine for the three Munakata goddesses was built in 593, when Itsukushima Shrine was built. The star of the show is Kohaku Jochu, a completely new sake produced by Naorai through further distillation of sake using a unique technique called “low-temperature distillation. An essential ingredient for this is organic lemons from Kubi and Mikado Island.
On the tour, after experiencing the harvesting of organic lemons, which account for 0.2% of all lemons produced in Japan, you will enjoy a physically conditioning meal using fresh Setouchi ingredients, a marriage of shochu and a toast while gazing at the full moon over the ridges of the islands. The next morning, we will do morning yoga while gazing at the calm, calm sea, and try our hand at making smoothies with freshly picked lemons.
We offer a time for you to relax and prepare your mind, body, and thoughts, while thinking of the goddess who prays for the safety of navigation as the supreme deity of all “paths”.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
A lodging license for this tour has been obtained and preparations are underway for product sales. Please visit Naorai’s website for more information on the progress and details.
–What is your message to travelers?
Triangle Island is a very small island with only about 16 islanders. There is not a single sign on the uninhabited beach, and as soon as you put your feet in the surf, you will see small fish swimming nearby. On the other side of the Seto Inland Sea, which is as calm as a lake, is a chain of dark green islands, and at night the sky is filled with a starry sky that looks like a scattering of jewels. We invite you to visit Hiroshima and enjoy a relaxing time with your loved ones, where your mind, brain, and body will be healed through food, drinks, and experiences that can only be enjoyed here.
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