October 7, 2026, 12:15 p.m. (JST)
[Japan] On October 6, 2026, Japan Airlines (JAL) held the “Haneda Airport JAL Domestic Lounge Renovation Commemorative Event & Preview” at Haneda Airport Terminal 1. On the day of the event, the company unveiled the“JAL First Class Lounge” and “JAL Sakura Lounge,” which are set to reopen on October 8. The event also featured actress and model Hiroe Igeta—JAL’s domestic flight commercial spokesperson—as a guest. She participated in a talk session discussing her passion for travel and the lounge’s appeal, and attendees enjoyed a tasting session of the lounge’s new menu item, the “JAL Special Baked Curry Bread.”
Talk Session with Ms. Igeta
JAL has been advancing the evolution of its domestic flight services under the concept “New Angles, New Stories—Rediscovering Japan.”On October 8, 2026, the domestic lounge and dedicated security checkpoint in the North Wing of Haneda Airport’s Terminal 1 will reopen, marking the launch of the lounge—a key touchpoint connecting the pre-trip and post-trip experiences. This, combined with the dedicated check-in counters that opened in advance on July 24, will complete the renovation of the North Wing’s related facilities.
For the lounge’s reopening, the airline welcomed actress and model Hiroe Igeta—who was appointed as the face of JAL’s domestic flight commercials in May 2026—as a guest. The event featured a talk session where she discussed her passion for travel and the lounge’s appeal, as well as a tasting session for the lounge’s new menu item, the “JAL Special Baked Curry Bread.”Ms. Igeta, who is an avid traveler and a frequent JAL passenger, said she was so delighted when she was cast in the commercial that she “thought it was a dream.”
When asked what she most wanted to do in the new First Class Lounge, she said, “I’d like to spend some time in the relaxation area, thinking, ‘What should I do on my next trip?’—a moment that really gets my heart racing.” During the tasting, she sampled the “JAL Special Grilled Curry Bread,” made with Yanbaru Aguu pork from Okinawa, from the menu featuring options for breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Offering Three Dining Experiences
The renovated First Class Lounge has been renamed from the former “Diamond Premier Lounge” to align the names across international and domestic flights. It has also been updated to provide a high-quality space where guests can enjoy personalized experiences tailored to each individual and rediscover the value of Japanese traditions.
The “JAL First Class Lounge” is available not only to JAL First Class passengers but also to JMB Diamond members, JGC Premier members, and oneworld Emerald members.
The working area features an open layout centered around an island counter, where guests can enjoy meals and beverages before boarding. The relaxation area is furnished with high-end massage chairs and sofas that cradle the body.The work area offers a range of options—from fully private booths to semi-private spaces with just the right amount of privacy, as well as open desk spaces—allowing you to choose a comfortable, focused workspace that suits your work or mood for the day.
This time, we’re offering three dining experiences tailored to how you choose to spend your time in the lounge. From morning through lunchtime, under the theme 【#Charge】, we’ve prepared energy-boosting foods such as special curry buns, sushi rolls, and soup. For tea time, under the theme 【#Excitement】, we’ll serve cakes, scones, and other treats perfect for tea time.In the evening, under the theme 【#Yasuragi】, guests can enjoy side dishes that pair well with both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.
In addition, a new event space has been established where guests can experience Japanese traditions and culture through all five senses, and various events will be held there. For the first event, Suntory’s Japanese craft gin “ROKU<六>” and traditional Japanese sweets will be served. “ROKU<六>,” made with traditional Japanese ingredients, will be served alongside traditional Japanese sweets.
The art gallery will create opportunities to rediscover the charm of Japan’s rich regional cultures through various art exhibitions.
Enhanced Spatial Design by Area
A beverage counter has been installed in the dining area of the Sakura Lounge. Here, guests can enjoy the newly introduced “drinkable dashi,” which allows them to experience the unique umami flavor of Japan. The relaxation area is designed to be a space where guests can unwind until their departure, featuring thoughtful lighting and massage chairs.In the work area, located adjacent to the escalator leading directly to the departure lobby, every seat is equipped with power outlets and USB ports, providing a fully equipped workspace. This allows busy business travelers to concentrate on their work right up until their departure time.
The Kids’ Area, designed and produced by Bornelund, incorporates a variety of activities that allow children to move around and become engrossed in play, while families can spend time there keeping an eye on their children. Additionally, the area features 15 works by distinctive artists contracted by Heralbonie.
Focusing on Japan’s Charms to Enhance the Domestic Flight Experience
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, as values surrounding language learning and travel have shifted, the needs of customers—not only those traveling for business but also inbound tourists and leisure travelers—have become increasingly diverse. Through this renovation, the lounge aims to deliver meaningful encounters and experiences that resonate with guests by highlighting the charms of Japan that are often overlooked in daily life, creating moments that gently warm the heart.Currently, Japanese passengers account for about 90 percent of domestic flight lounge usage, while foreign passengers make up about 10 percent. However, with this renovation, the airline aims to enhance the domestic flight experience and make it more accessible to a diverse range of passengers, including not only business travelers but also tourists and inbound travelers.
On the day of the event, Ms. Junko Sakihara, Deputy General Manager of Japan Airlines’ Customer Experience Division, explained the background behind the domestic flight service renewal and the objectives of the lounge renovation.The first major feature of this renovation is the provision of well-defined spaces—such as “Dining,” “Relaxing,” “Working,” and “Kids’ Area”—making it easier for guests to choose a space based on their mood or purpose for the day.“The second key feature is allowing guests to experience the unique value of Japan through all five senses,” Ms. Sakihara explained. “We’ve incorporated touches that weave together the charms of regions across Japan throughout the space, and we hope to create experiences that resonate with guests—whether it’s a brief, efficient stopover or a special occasion.”
The South Wing is also being renovated based on essentially the same concept. Since Haneda is the most important hub, this will serve as the standard model, and the company plans to adapt it to the specific environments of other major domestic airports and other facilities as well.
Regarding data utilization, the airport is implementing initiatives to visualize and provide real-time congestion information. Additionally, by leveraging digital technology for the shower facilities, passengers will be able to make reservations directly from their smartphones.
