(Joint Release) JAL and JR East Launch Dual-Residence Program 'East Japan, Dual-Residence Life'
JAL and JR East will launch the 'East Japan, Dual-residence life' program in June 2026 to promote dual-residence in the Tohoku region. Participants using the Shinkansen will earn JAL miles for their next trip, reducing travel costs and fostering regional populations.
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- 📰 Published: April 3, 2026 at 01:00
- 🔍 Collected: April 2, 2026 at 19:36
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April 2, 2026
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
East Japan Railway Company
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter 'JAL') and East Japan Railway Company (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoichi Kise; hereinafter 'JR East') will start a dual-residence experience program 'East Japan, Dual-residence life' (hereinafter, 'this program') targeting the Tohoku region from June 2026.
This program is an initiative aimed at creating related and settled populations in Tohoku, based on a partnership agreement (*1) concluded between JAL and JR East. This pilot project, which launched the 'East Japan Dual-Residence Promotion Consortium' (*2) with a total of 9 organizations including 6 regions in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata prefectures, was selected as a 'Dual-Residence Pioneering Project Implementation Enterprise' by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. (*3) It serves not only to reduce the travel cost burden for dual-residents but also acts as a pioneering project transcending the framework of transportation operators.
This program allows participants to try out dual-residence that better suits their lifestyle by utilizing both the Shinkansen, which enables touring, and airplanes, which enable direct travel. For those who use the Shinkansen for a round trip during their visit, mileage equivalent to one round trip on eligible routes will be granted so that JAL Group reward tickets can be used on their next visit. (*4) Additionally, we support the building of continuous relationships even after the program ends, such as through 'Connection Experience Menus' where participants can interact with local residents during their stay. Please check the special website for details.
Through this program, JAL and JR East will promote the mutual use of Shinkansen and aviation, while aiming to resolve the shortage of local workers and create settled and related populations.
Overview of 'East Japan, Dual-residence life'
Target Period: June 1, 2026 (Mon) - January 31, 2027 (Sun)
Target Areas: Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture; Semboku City and Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture; Sagae City, Kahoku Town, and Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture
Application Period: April 13, 2026 (Mon) - April 26 (Sun)
*If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, a lottery will be held. If capacity is not met, additional recruitment may occur.
Notification of Results: Scheduled for April 30, 2026 (Thu)
Participation Requirements:
(1) Visit the area at least the minimum number of times specified for each region, and stay overnight in the target area during the visit.
(2) Use the Tohoku Shinkansen and eligible JAL Group flights an equal number of times to visit the target area during the period.
(3) Must be a JAL Mileage Bank and Ekinet member at the time of application.
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.
East Japan Railway Company
Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter 'JAL') and East Japan Railway Company (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoichi Kise; hereinafter 'JR East') will start a dual-residence experience program 'East Japan, Dual-residence life' (hereinafter, 'this program') targeting the Tohoku region from June 2026.
This program is an initiative aimed at creating related and settled populations in Tohoku, based on a partnership agreement (*1) concluded between JAL and JR East. This pilot project, which launched the 'East Japan Dual-Residence Promotion Consortium' (*2) with a total of 9 organizations including 6 regions in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata prefectures, was selected as a 'Dual-Residence Pioneering Project Implementation Enterprise' by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. (*3) It serves not only to reduce the travel cost burden for dual-residents but also acts as a pioneering project transcending the framework of transportation operators.
This program allows participants to try out dual-residence that better suits their lifestyle by utilizing both the Shinkansen, which enables touring, and airplanes, which enable direct travel. For those who use the Shinkansen for a round trip during their visit, mileage equivalent to one round trip on eligible routes will be granted so that JAL Group reward tickets can be used on their next visit. (*4) Additionally, we support the building of continuous relationships even after the program ends, such as through 'Connection Experience Menus' where participants can interact with local residents during their stay. Please check the special website for details.
Through this program, JAL and JR East will promote the mutual use of Shinkansen and aviation, while aiming to resolve the shortage of local workers and create settled and related populations.
Overview of 'East Japan, Dual-residence life'
Target Period: June 1, 2026 (Mon) - January 31, 2027 (Sun)
Target Areas: Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture; Semboku City and Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture; Sagae City, Kahoku Town, and Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture
Application Period: April 13, 2026 (Mon) - April 26 (Sun)
*If the number of applicants exceeds capacity, a lottery will be held. If capacity is not met, additional recruitment may occur.
Notification of Results: Scheduled for April 30, 2026 (Thu)
Participation Requirements:
(1) Visit the area at least the minimum number of times specified for each region, and stay overnight in the target area during the visit.
(2) Use the Tohoku Shinkansen and eligible JAL Group flights an equal number of times to visit the target area during the period.
(3) Must be a JAL Mileage Bank and Ekinet member at the time of application.