Kumamon personally picks you up at the airport！China Airlines launches flights to Kumamoto, featuring Kumamon-themed aircraft

▲Minister Kumamon dons a flight attendant uniform, looking absolutely adorable. (Photo / Reporter Chen Rui-zhong, same below)

Reporter Chen Rui-zhong / Taipei reporting

When it comes to mascots from various regions in Japan, none is more familiar than Kumamon, the adorable Kumamoto Prefecture mascot (Minister Kumamon). China Airlines will launch its regular flight service between Kaohsiung and Kumamoto on October 25. For the inaugural flight, the airline has specially collaborated with Kumamoto Prefecture Government to introduce the “Kumamoto Joyful Flight” themed itinerary. Not only will Minister Kumamon personally greet passengers at the airport, but he will also attend a welcoming dinner to celebrate with travelers.

▲In-flight meals designed specifically for the Kumamoto Joyful Flight, as well as Kumamon pillows that passengers can take home for free.

To allow the public to experience Minister Kumamon’s charm in advance, China Airlines held a Minister Kumamon meet-and-greet event today (October 2) at Songshan Airport, showcasing a series of Kumamon merchandise and exclusive in-flight meals. In addition to dancing energetically on-site, Minister Kumamon also donned a China Airlines flight attendant vest, supervised the cabin crew during meal service, and interacted enthusiastically with attendees—hugging and posing for photos. Whether swaying his hips or waving, every move radiated super-cute charisma, prompting visitors to exclaim, “So adorable!”

China Airlines will operate three weekly flights between Kaohsiung and Kumamoto—on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Sundays—using Boeing 737-800 aircraft, making it the first Taiwanese carrier to offer regular flights to Kumamoto. In conjunction with the Kumamon-themed inaugural flight, a three-day-two-night package is available. The flight departs from Kaohsiung’s Xiaogang Airport at 09:20 AM on October 25, and the themed itinerary will go on sale at 12:00 PM on October 5 via the official website, with limited availability for 158 travelers.

▲A series of Kumamon merchandise.

Regional Director of China Airlines TaiwanLuo Hao-mingstated that China Airlines has previously launched themed flights such as Dawn, Mother’s Day, and Aurora, and this time the theme is Kumamon. Following the launch of the Kaohsiung–Kumamoto route, China Airlines will also begin flights between Kaohsiung and Fukuoka on October 26, and between Tainan and Osaka on October 28, operating 171 weekly round-trips to Japan across 13 destinations. Mitsuharu Fukushima, Director of Transportation Policy & Information Division at Kumamoto Prefecture’s Planning & Promotion Department, noted that Kumamoto boasts attractions such as Mount Aso, Kumamoto Castle, and hot springs, making it highly suitable for tourism.Fukushima Seijinoted that Kumamoto boasts attractions such as Mount Aso, Kumamoto Castle, and hot springs, making it highly suitable for sightseeing.

▲(From left, third) Mitsuharu Fukushima, Director of Transportation Policy & Information Division at Kumamoto Prefecture’s Planning & Promotion Department, Minister Kumamon, and Regional Director of China Airlines Taiwan Luo Hao-ming, take a group photo together.

China Airlines also noted that the Kumamon-themed flight itinerary not only includes visits to famous Kumamoto attractions, but also features Minister Kumamon personally welcoming passengers at Kumamoto Airport, along with a themed welcome dinner where he will dance and celebrate with guests. Additionally, the flight will offer special boarding passes, themed in-flight meals, postcards, and stickers. Limited-edition Kumamon pillows and headrest covers exclusive to the inaugural flight can also be taken home. Economy class tickets are priced at NT$22,999 per person (NT$21,999 for children), while business class tickets are NT$33,199 per person (NT$32,199 for children).

▲Minister Kumamon also interacted with fans on-site, taking commemorative photos together.

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