A calligraphy exhibition that's being called "too chaotic" has become a hot topic on Twitter. The post is from ⊃bu Gummy wa iizo. (@kirsch2293).

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— ⊃ぶグミはいいぞ。（@kirsch2293） January 18, 2022

This is the New Year's calligraphy exhibition displayed on the second floor of Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport. Let's take a look at the content...

"Can't earn miles"?

You can do it!

"Lake Komuke"?

That's a lake in Monbetsu, also famous for its flowers.

"The Hope of Monbetsu"

Masterful calligraphy! The "Scallop Zanmai" next to it is also intriguing.

"Victory in Court"

You definitely get the urge to write this when you pick up a brush.

And first place is, surprisingly!

It's Monbetsu's mascot, "Monta-kun."

An illustration! What a free-spirited and lively calligraphy exhibition. The post has received comments like these and over 6,500 likes.
This event was announced on social media for users of Monbetsu Airport, with the theme being "Passionate Feelings for Monbetsu." The winning entries, selected by vote from over 90 submissions, are on display.

Among them, one phrase that caught our eye was "Monbetsu Touch."

What on earth could "Monbetsu Touch" mean??

Upon investigation, we found that "touch" refers to a "touch-and-go," meaning to fly back on the same plane you arrived on, making a round trip within the same day.

Furthermore, Okhotsk Monbetsu Airport has only one round-trip flight per day, operated by All Nippon Airways (ANA) to and from Haneda Airport. People who make this same-day round trip are apparently known as the "Monbetsu Touch tribe." The use of the word "tribe" suggests that there's more than just one or two of them.

Let's look at the flight schedule.

You take the 10:35 AM flight from Haneda, arrive in Monbetsu at 12:20 PM, and then immediately board the 1:00 PM flight from Monbetsu to return to Haneda, arriving at 2:55 PM. That's a layover of only about 30 minutes at Monbetsu Airport! It's the very definition of a flying visit. Of course, you have to pay for the round-trip fare, so why go to such lengths to visit Monbetsu Airport?

The story behind this is the passion of an SNS group of ANA supporters who felt they had to do something as many flights were being reduced due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

ANA staff at Monbetsu Airport are aware of these individuals and have launched various campaigns and initiatives using the term "Monbetsu Touch." Also, to show their gratitude to everyone using Monbetsu Airport for helping maintain the service, they provide a warm welcome and send-off with placards that say things like "Have a safe trip" and "Welcome back."

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— ルイス2512 @luwis2512January 18, 2022

Behind the chaotic New Year's calligraphy exhibition was a heartwarming exchange between people filled with a spirit of mutual support. It's truly moving...

Even if you can't do a "Monbetsu Touch," why not extend your trip to Monbetsu, especially now when you can see the drift ice, and enjoy the stunning scenery and delicious seafood?