Ikeda Yuraku, Ishida Chiho, Kudo Riko, and Fukuda Akari of STU48, an idol group based in the seven Setouchi prefectures, infiltrate a domestic cargo ship, experience life and work on the ship, and share the appeal of seafarers and domestic ships on YouTube.
The idol group STU48, based in the seven Setouchi prefectures, and the Japan Federation of Coastal Transportation Associations, conducted a collaboration project to experience the life and work of “coastal shipping” on an intra-coastal cargo ship anchored at Hiroshima Port. The domestic shipping operators that transport supplies from domestic ports to ports, and the Japan Coastal Transport Association, their comprehensive coordination agency, operate the YouTube channel “Niko ~ Maritime Transport CH” with the aim of conveying the appeal of the profession of seafarers to young people in their teens and 20s and increasing the number of applicants. The channel provides valuable footage that only seafarers can see, as well as information about ships that are surprisingly unknown. We have implemented a collaboration project with STU48 to bring the appeal of the industry, which is often strict with traditional job introductions, to more people. By sharing this information from idols, we aim to make people feel more familiar with the appeal of domestic shipping and seafarers. This is the first time that he has actually been on a freight ship, Ikeda Yuraku, Ishida Chiho, Kudo Riko, and Fukuda Akari, four people boarded the Koyomaru, a domestic cargo ship with a total tonnage of 4,238 tons, a total length of 124.70m and a width of 20.50m! This is a car-only ship that can carry 600 new cars, normally manufactured at Mazda’s Ujina Factory, to the Chubu and Kanto region. The four of them were overwhelmed by the size of the ship’s appearance, and they were shocked to see them all over the board. On YouTube and TikTok, the title “When I Get a Job on a Ship, My Senpai was an Idol,” begins with navigator Ishida awakening you, a new sailor, and the four of them explain their work on the ship in a fun, easy-to-understand manner, making it a highly immersive work. Indoor shipping accounts for 39.8% of domestic freight transport, second only to 55.5% of trucks, and plays an important role in supporting the lives of the people. However, the number of people is less well-known than trucks and rail transport, and there are problems such as a shortage of seafarers and an aging population (approximately half of seafarers are over 50 years old), and solutions to these issues are an urgent issue. Therefore, the Japan International Federation is required to promote the promotion of domestic shipping and promotion of domestic shipping and seafarers as an option for employment. STU48 is an idol, and through this collaboration video, we will be providing an opportunity to learn about the profession of domestic shipping and expanding its appeal. Please come and watch it. The release will be posted from 18:00 today on Tuesday, March 25th on the channel below from 18:00.
STU48 YouTube Official Channel
https://www.youtube.com/@stu4858
STU48 TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@stu48.official
The official Japanese-Korean YouTube channel “Niko~Shipping CH”
Ikeda Yuraku (Deck member)
We had the experience of working on a boat by Dokoro Soren! We boarded the boat and went to see relatives and performed in the theater on the boat.
I’ve had the opportunity to board a boat, such as the one I’ve been on, but it was a very valuable experience to take a closer look inside the boat and have a work experience! I would be happy if you could learn more about the work that everyone who works on the boat usually does through this video!
Ishida Chiho (as a navigator)
I was able to experience working on a boat and was first overwhelmed by the size of the boat. Each person has a solid room
It was very delicious and the curry was very tasty. I had the impression that living on a boat for several months would be difficult, but after experiencing it, I was impressed and comfortable. We support all of you who work on the boat.
Kudo Riko (played by the head of the connoisseur)
I was unexpectedly working on the boat and played the role of the kook-in-chief! It was my first time eating curry on the boat, and it was amazing! It was a valuable time where I was able to learn the hardships and fun of working on a boat, while feeling the teamwork and the warm bonds of the crew as friends. I hope you’ll be excited by the scene where the newcomer ship riders and seniors build a thrilling relationship❤
Fukuda Akari (actor)
Fukuda Akari almost tries his first performance! I wasn’t the type to say much about his lines so I wasn’t confident, but once filming started, I was incredibly excited! Each scene was so fun. I was also excited to be able to explore by entering the ship, which is not usually seen! I would be happy if this video conveys the work of the domestic ships and the charm of the ocean!
