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 Momoko Nobusue, a JAL Furusato Ambassador who is involved with the Fukuoka Flower Show 2026 in Fukuoka.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello everyone! This is Nobusue, JAL Furusato Ambassador for Fukuoka Prefecture.
Did you know that Fukuoka Prefecture is actually the third largest producer of flowers in Japan? As we mentioned in last year’s Fukuoka Flower Show Pre-Event article, Fukuoka City aims to create a “Flower City Fukuoka,” a city where beautiful flowers and gorgeous greenery adorn the city and where hospitality and a rich spirit are nurtured.
If you have not yet done so, please take a look at last year’s article to learn more about Fukuoka City’s floral efforts. Now, I would like to introduce “Fukuoka Flower Show 2026,” which will be held from March 22 to 26 this month.
The Fukuoka Flower Show 2026 is a “flower festival” held as part of the One Flower, One Person campaign promoted by Fukuoka City to promote the culture of flowers and greenery around the world. The event features a garden contest with international standard garden works, an exhibition of the world’s best flowers, a stage program in the symbolic garden, special events in the greenhouse, and a variety of other daily events.
Following last year’s pre-event, this year’s event will be even more substantial, offering five days to fully experience the “charm of flowers.
–What are some of the other highlights?
Many people think of Fukuoka in terms of “food,” and one of the event contents on the day will be a full lineup of gourmet foods. We hope you will enjoy the garden restaurant area, where popular and talented Fukuoka restaurants will gather to enjoy “dining time with flowers” from family lunches to light finger foods and gorgeous afternoon teas.
Last year’s pre-event included a space to enjoy a café in the sun, so I, too, am very much looking forward to seeing how the event is decorated this year.
–Are there any other initiatives in Fukuoka City that you are implementing?
In addition to flowers, Fukuoka City is also promoting a “greening project” at the City Hall main building and subway station.
In this government building, we are aiming to create a “Tenjin Forest” where citizens can experience the four seasons by planting mainly plants of Fukuoka’s native species. On the subway, the East Exit of Tenjin Station, Hakata Station (Airport Line and Nanakuma Line), and Fukuoka Airport Station have been greened. At Fukuoka Airport Station, which I often use, I am always heartened to see the walls inside the ticket gates are gradually being greened.
–What is your message to travelers?
As you can see from looking around the city, Fukuoka is not only known for its gastronomic delights and famous landmarks, but also for its efforts to create a city overflowing with flowers and greenery. I personally feel that this is a very wonderful initiative, as having flowers and greenery in the city makes me feel at peace.
We look forward to seeing you at the Fukuoka Flower Show 2026!
© Source travel watch