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 former JAL Furusato Ambassador who was involved in a collaborative effort with JR East in Aomori.
–What can you tell us about your initiatives?
Hello everyone!
I am Sato, a former JAL hometown ambassador (in charge of Aomori Prefecture).
Two JAL Furusato Ambassadors (Aina Sato, Aomori Prefecture, and Nanae Sato, Miyagi Prefecture) provided in-train hospitality services on the Resort Shirakami train in cooperation with JR East and JAL.
–How are you involved in this effort?
JAL hometown ambassadors provided a variety of services on board the train, originally designed to make passengers feel special.
We provided handmade MAPs, handwritten commemorative certificates, special lunch boxes, and novelties, and we also enjoyed talking with our guests and providing them with a heartwarming time.
Passengers were especially pleased with the “Original MAP of Aomori Prefecture” and “Commemorative Certificate” handwritten by JAL Hometown Ambassadors.
JAL Furusato Ambassadors actually visited spots while living in Aomori Prefecture and hand-drafted an original MAP of spots they particularly recommend.
We talked with customers and told them about the charms of Aomori Prefecture, such as “The sashimi at this izakaya is very tasty” and “The autumn leaves are at their most beautiful in this area.
The special lunch boxes served to passengers on board the train were also very well received.
This special lunch box is supervised by Chef Wataru Yokota of CONVEY, who has honed his skills at famous French restaurants in Tokyo and abroad, and has established a base in Ajigasawa Town.
We actually had one too. Each and every one was delicious, and the bento was truly special, with plenty of Tsugaru ingredients along the route and Chef Yokota’s special attention to detail.
The smiles on the faces of customers as they dined while enjoying the scenery and conversation from the train windows left a lasting impression.
After the meal, Jomon “farmer’s assassin” (thick chestnut and walnut gelato) was served.
Sweetened chestnuts and savory walnuts were kneaded into the gelato, and by adding long potatoes, a specialty of Tsugaru City, it was a rich and mellow gelato.
–What are your future plans and prospects?
It was a very valuable experience for me as a JAL Furusato Ambassador to have the opportunity to be associated with East Japan Railway Company and to be given the chance to provide in-train service on the Resort Shirakami, a locally loved train.
As the same public transportation provider that safely transports customers to their destinations, we would like to continue to deepen our cooperation by leveraging the strengths of both parties to provide more attractive and comfortable travel time.
© Source travel watch