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Greetings from the Narita Airport email newsletter editorial office.
There are only a few days left of 2023. What kind of a year has it been for you? In this month's issue, we're going to tell you all about the 2nd Cleaning Skills Contest, which took place at Narita Airport this past November. If you're not yet done cleaning your home ahead of the New Year festivities, reading this article is bound to switch you over into housework mode! |
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We sneaked into the 2nd Narita Airport Cleaning Skills Contest! Who cleaned up the top prize?! |
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MARLMARL: Everyday items and special treats for people with children |
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MATO by MARLMARL: A brand of infant products for those parents who value their own personal style |
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Kawatani Shirt: A unique Tokyo-born shirt brand |
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ALART Gallery Roku: The shop offering ways to brighten up your life |
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For Customers Using the Airport During the New Year Holiday Period |
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Enjoy Japanese Sake from all over Japan! -Japan Kampai project hold＠NRT- |
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Monthly Traffic Statistics(Nov 2023) |
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Narita Airport Awarded World's Highest "5 Star Airport" Rating! -SKYTRAX WORLD AIRPORT RATING- |
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NAA won the Future Travel Experience APAC AIRPORT PIONEER AWARD! |
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New Narita - Seoul (Incheon) Service to be Launched by AirJapan on February 22, 2024 |
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We sneaked into the 2nd Narita Airport Cleaning Skills Contest! Who cleaned up the top prize?! |
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Narita Airport hosted the 2nd Cleaning Skills Contest this past November. The terminal buildings provide passengers from overseas with their first impression of Japan, and our cleaning staff work hard every day to keep those buildings looking attractive. This year the contest took place in the departure lobby for the first time, so that visitors to the airport could also watch this demonstration of our cleaning staff's skills.
Cleaning is a very important job, because it ensures that the airport is pleasant and comfortable for passengers and others who spend time here. The inspiration for the contest came from the idea that it would be great to find a way to bring the whole airport together in efforts to further improve cleaning service levels and boost the motivation of our cleaning staff. Each of the four companies responsible for cleaning operations at our passenger terminals- (listed in no particular order) Narita Kuko Biseisha Co., Ltd.; Sanei Maintenance Co., Ltd.; Sopure Co., Ltd.; and Japan Airport Techno Co., Ltd.-nominated a contestant from among the cream of their cleaning teams. |
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| A chance to show off their day to day prowess! Speedy cleaning skills shine through! |
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The contest venue features an area about 5 m square, with a mockup of the kind of dirt and trash our cleaning teams face during their day to day work. Based on the 15 minutes allocated in the work standard, each competitor is given 17 minutes to clean up the area singlehandedly. The judges evaluate their work based on three perspectives: cleaning skills, including handling of cleaning supplies and equipment, along with setup; efficiency, in terms of speed; and CS, based on their ability to address passenger needs. The company with the highest overall score is the winner.
As a result of a fair and impartial drawing of lots, Japan Airport Techno went first, followed by Sanei Maintenance, Narita Kuko Biseisha, and finally Sopure.
As soon as the order to start was given and the big stopwatch began moving, the competitor whose turn it was briskly got to work, going about their tasks efficiently with their cleaning equipment in hand. Along with a competitor, each company provides a commentator who talks with the emcee, explaining in an easily understood way what the competitor is doing. Lots of airport visitors stopped to watch, seemingly fascinated by the competitors'skills!
While the competitors wore nervous expressions as they faced the gallery, they painstakingly carried out each and every task. Picking up garbage, wiping down tables, dusting chairs...in next to no time, the contest venue was clean and tidy! The commentator also provided tips: "Cleaning looks simply, but the procedure is crucial. If you work from back to front and up to down, within a range that means you don't need to lift your cleaning utensil from the surface as far as possible, you can clean efficiently and thoroughly." That sounds like something we can all put into practice in our year-end cleaning.
At the midpoint of each turn, each competitor was required to deal with a query from a passenger asking how to get somewhere and respond to a request to wipe up a water spillage; the judges then checked not only their technique, but also whether the competitors embodied the Japanese spirit of hospitality. The challenge ended with a polish of the floor, which left the competition venue sparkling! When the competitor raised their hand to signal that they had finished, the stopwatch halted, and the audience gave them a big round of applause. |
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| The halftime show was also a highlight |
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| -Demonstration by Kohei Koshikawa, winner of the Japan Building Maintenance Association President's Award- |
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| During the halftime break between the first two competitors and the last two, Kohei Koshikawa of Narita Kuko Biseisha gave a demonstration of the skills that won him an excellent score at the 18th Japan Building Cleaning Skills Contest, which took place in November. As one of 18 valiant competitors from across the country who had won regional preliminaries, Mr. Koshikawa participated as the representative for the Kanto-Koshin'etsu region and walked away with the Japan Building Maintenance Association President's Award! |
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Discussing the result of the contest, Mr. Koshikawa commented, "While I'm really pleased to have been able to demonstrate the fruits of my training to date, I'm also disappointed not to have picked up the top prize. Going forward, I plan to aim for the national prize as a leader." |
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As befitted something billed as a show, Mr. Koshikawa's efficient movements were brisk and enjoyable to watch, taking cleaning into the realm of a spectator sport. His dexterity in wielding equipment such as a polisher and wet vacuum cleaner was truly spectacular, leaving the floor polished to a shine in no time.
Once he'd completed his performance, the spectators in the gallery gave him a round of applause! Although it only lasted 10 minutes, we could tell he'd spared no effort in his cleaning by the sheen of sweat on his brow. We were left in no doubt that he approaches his everyday work with a sense of pride. |
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| Who emerged victorious from the 2nd Cleaning Skills Contest? |
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All four competitors were impressive, but it was Mr. Maeda from Narita Kuko Biseisha who won, receiving the highest overall score in the contest evaluating performance in the areas of cleaning skills, efficiency, and CS.
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We talked to the winner, Mr. Maeda, about his thoughts on having participated in this contest and the care he takes day to day in his work. |
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Please tell us your thoughts about having taken part in this contest.
This was the second time I'd participated, and I feel the organizers have given consideration in various ways to ensuring the fairness of the contest, based in part on a review of issues from the previous contest. Consequently, the elements that we needed to prioritize were clear from the training stage, which helped me feel motivated in the actual competition. As a result, I managed to win the prestigious top prize. I'd like to express my gratitude to everyone involved in organizing the contest. Thank you very much.
What sort of things do you normally pay attention to in your work?
Ensuring safety is the top priority in our work. As cleaning involves simple tasks and we're often working under the pressure of time, there can be a tendency to disregard safety. That's why checking our implements before starting work and being conscientious in holding meetings are both vital parts of ensuring safety.
I also think it's crucial to keep the area around you neat and tidy at all times when cleaning. If you have to deal with an emergency out on the floor, you could be delayed in responding to it unless you know exactly where you've put everything. To avoid that, I always take care to keep everything neat and tidy. |
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| Mr. Maeda's passion for his work and pride as a professional really shine through, don't they? Thanks to this contest, we've gained a keen sense of the ways in which Mr. Koshikawa, Mr. Maeda, and all the other cleaning staff at Narita Kuko Biseisha, Sanei Maintenance, Sopure, and Japan Airport Techno play an essential role in helping to keep Narita Airport clean, comfortable, and looking attractive every day. |
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| [ From Our Editorial Staff ] |
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| I hope we've managed to convey the passion of the staff involved in cleaning at Narita Airport, the gateway to Japan. Aiming to make Narita the world's cleanest airport, not only the cleaning staff, but also everyone else at Narita Airport takes care to ensure that passengers feel comfortable here. All Narita Airport staff will continue to work together in striving to ensure that customers feel our commitment to the airport and our Narita Pride. |
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MARLMARL: Everyday items and special treats for people with children |
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| This is MARLMARL's first store targeted specifically at inbound tourists. The in-store displays and customer service are tailored meticulously to its status as a shop located in Narita Airport, the gateway to Japan, in an effort to ensure passengers who speak a variety of languages can enjoy a seamless shopping experience. In February 2024, MARLMARL will be launching its Souvenir Series of items that make perfect mementos of your trip. Featuring traditional Japanese pictures and patterns, these items will help to spread the joy of bringing up children across the globe! |
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| Recommended Items |
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| One of MARLMARL's leading products is its circular 360 degrees bibs, which go all the way round a baby's neck. These items combine design with functionality, allowing you to simply rotate the bib to a clean section if the front gets dirty. |
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| Message for the Readers |
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No matter what country you're raising children in, the joys and struggles are universal. Through MARLMARL's products that employ design and function to resolve these challenges, we aim to form a sense of community among people bringing up children that encircles the world.
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MATO by MARLMARL: A brand of infant products for those parents who value their own personal style |
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| Inspired by the goal of enabling passengers who speak a variety of languages to quickly identify product functions, MATO by MARLMARL's Narita Airport store offers assorted versatile products that are useful in all kinds of childcare settings, from travel to everyday, divided into the functions "packable," "all-in-one," and "organize." |
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| Recommended Items |
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| The Orca Tote Bag is ideal for travel and everyday use alike. Made principally from a tarpaulin-like material that stands up well to both water and dirt, this tote bag is packed with functions that travelers will find useful, including a waterproof pocket and detachable mini-bag. As it also holds a great deal and can be used as a shoulder bag, we recommend it for trips when you have a lot of luggage. |
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| Message for the Readers |
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Gender-neutral, shareable, and equipped with comfortable functions, MATO by MARLMARL's items help to streamline your travel and daily life simply by adding a single piece to your usual belongings. Please do come and visit our shop.
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Kawatani Shirt: A unique Tokyo-born shirt brand |
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| Inspired by the desire to bring happiness and good cheer to the wearer, Kawatani Shirt incorporates the sensitivity and sense of fun of designer Yoshito Kawatani. Comfortable to wear, these shirts feature lines that flatter the body , along with visually appealing designs and a wide range of sizes, ensuring customers can choose something that fits their personal style. |
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| Recommended Items |
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| This adorable shirt is inspired by calico cats. With a panel design typical of Kawatani Shirt's distinctive individuality, the white, black, and red-brown fabrics are complemented by checks and other patterns, expressing a strong sense of playfulness. The underside of the yoke and the lining of the hidden pocket at the right hem both feature a fish-patterned fabric, while the coconut shell buttons are colored pink to represent a cat's paw! The exquisite balance achieved in the color and panels, along with the meticulous care demonstrated in even the finest details mean that this is a design that anyone can happily wear, whatever their age or gender. |
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| Message for the Readers |
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Enrich your life by filling your world with your favorite things! We hope Kawatani Shirt will be among them.
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ALART Gallery Roku: The shop offering ways to brighten up your life |
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| This is a store that seeks to spread the word about Japan's appeal and technology. What makes the items at ALART's first-ever airport store stand out is that they're all produced from aluminum. In addition to the vases that are one of ALART's leading products, you'll find a variety of other goods that encapsulate the beauty of traditional art crafts from across Japan. |
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| Recommended Items |
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| ALART Gallery Roku offers a range of products that brighten up your everyday life, including vases that look like a painting when you place a single stem in them, New Year decorations that bring festive cheer when they adorn the entrance to your home, and stylish accessories that are a thrill to wear. |
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| Message for the Readers |
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Come and see us, so we can show you the colorful touches for daily life and items highlighting the Japanese seasons that ALART has to offer.
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For Customers Using the Airport During the New Year Holiday Period |
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During the year-end and New Year holidays, the peak number of passengers departing from Narita Airport will be on Friday, December 29th for both international and domestic flights, and we expect it to be extremely crowded on other days as well.
Please allow plenty of time when using the facility, as the check-in counter, security checkpoint, parking lot, and other areas within the facility are expected to be crowded.
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| Thank you so much for continuing to read the Narita Airport email newsletter in 2023. We look forward to bringing our loyal readers more articles to enjoy in 2024! We wish you all a very happy New Year! |
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