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 spoke with Aina Sato, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved in the winter Nebuta festival in Aomori.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello everyone, this is Sato, JAL Furusato Ambassador for Aomori Prefecture.
Have you ever heard of “Winter Nebuta”?
Many people may think of the summer Nebuta Festival when they think of Aomori, but in fact, the winter Nebuta Festival offers a different kind of fantastic beauty than the summer festival.
If you see the triangular “Yunoshima” floating in Mutsu Bay about 40 minutes by car from Aomori Airport, you will be at Asamushi Onsen Hot Spring, which is called “Aomori’s back yard”.
The town of Asamushi Onsen in the winter was filled with energy, with the lights of the Nebuta floats floating in the snowy landscape and the enthusiasm of the people so great that they forgot about the cold weather.
In this issue, JAL Furusato Ambassadors actually experienced a winter Nebuta at Asamushi Onsen Hot Spring Resort, and we would like to introduce you to the experience.
–How are you involved in this effort?
On the day I attended, the outside temperature was minus 4 degrees Celsius.
I had always dreamed of experiencing a leapfrog in Aomori, so I was quickly dressed and off to the festival I went.
I was prepared for the cold, jumping and bouncing in the snow, but once I actually started bouncing around in the snow, the cold was gone. It was fun! It’s rather hot! They were laughing and fanning themselves with fans, forgetting about the cold and enjoying themselves.
Tourists also jumped around with the jumpers, and the Asamushi Onsen Hot Springs area shone even more brightly with the lights of the Nebuta and their sparkling smiles.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
This year’s Asamushi Nebuta Winter Festival will be held from January 23 to February 22, with Nebuta runs every Saturday (January 24/31, February 7/14/21) and the evening of the last day (February 22).
The Nebuta will depart from the front of Tatsumikan around 5:15 p.m. and arrive at the Michi no Eki Yusa Asamushi parking lot around 5:45 p.m.
There are a variety of events that allow visitors to see, touch, and participate, such as the “Jumpers’ Costume Dressing Experience,” where you can actually participate as a jumpers, the “Nebuta Making Experience,” where you can try papering and coloring giant goldfish, and the “Asamushi Marugoto Appreciation Tour,” where you can take a bus with a local guide to see Nebuta on display at inns and hotels. The “Asamushi Marubeni Viewing Tour” is a guided tour of the Nebuta on display at the inn and hotel.
© Source travel watch