An event marking the 60th anniversary of JAL’s Tokyo–New York route was held at Haneda Airport, where employees wearing uniforms from the time of the route’s launch appeared and handed out commemorative gifts. A senior Foreign Ministry official referred to Japan’s low passport ownership rate and expressed hope for more overseas travel.
Japan Airlines (JAL) held an event at Haneda Airport on 12 November 2026 to mark the 60th anniversary of its Tokyo–New York route. Employees wearing uniforms from the time of the route’s launch appeared at the venue and recreated the atmosphere of the period by handing out commemorative gifts. The ceremony highlighted the route’s contribution to business and people-to-people exchanges between Japan and the United States.
Matono Mototsugu (股野 元貞), former Director-General of the Foreign Ministry’s Economic Affairs Bureau, noted that Japan–U.S. relations had strengthened over the 60 years while expressing concern about Japan’s low passport ownership rate. Passport statistics show that the total number of valid passports was approximately 22.82 million as of the end of 2025, equivalent to about 18.5% of the population, or less than 20%.
A JAL executive disclosed that the composition of route users had changed as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and the weak yen, with foreign visitors now accounting for about 60%. The event was held to coincide with the departure of JL6 to New York and included displays of historical photographs and uniforms, as well as commemorative photography opportunities.
Director-General Matono (股野) said that he would work to restore young people’s interest in overseas travel, citing the catchphrase “Do you want to go to New York?!” from the Ultra Quiz television program. The Foreign Ministry referred to passport statistics and emphasized its efforts to encourage overseas travel.