(Joint Release) JAL and JR East Launch Dual-Residence Program 'East Japan, Dual-Residence Lifestyle'

April 2, 2026

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

East Japan Railway Company

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Head Office: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter "JAL") and East Japan Railway Company (Head Office: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President: Yoichi Kise; hereinafter "JR East") will launch "East Japan, Dual-Residence Lifestyle" (hereinafter "this program"), a dual-residence experience program targeting the Tohoku region, starting in June 2026.

This program is an initiative based on the cooperation agreement (*1) concluded between JAL and JR East, aiming to create a related population and permanent residents in Tohoku. This demonstration project, which established the "East Japan Dual-Residence Promotion Consortium" (*2) with a total of nine organizations, including six regions in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata Prefectures, was selected by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as a "Dual-Residence Leading Project Implementation Project" (*3) as a pioneering project that not only reduces the travel burden on dual-residence residents but also transcends the framework of transportation operators.

This program allows participants to try out a dual-residence lifestyle that better suits their own lifestyle by utilizing both the Shinkansen, which allows for circular travel, and airplanes, which allow for linear travel. Those who use the Shinkansen for a round trip during their visit will be awarded miles equivalent to one round trip on eligible routes, which can be used for JAL Group award tickets on their next visit (*4). In addition, "connection experience menus" that allow participants to interact with local residents during their stay are offered, encouraging the building of continuous relationships even after the program ends. Please check the special website for details.

Through this program, JAL and JR East aim to promote mutual use of the Shinkansen and air travel, as well as to resolve the shortage of local workers and create permanent and related populations.

"East Japan, Dual-Residence Lifestyle" Overview

Period: June 1, 2026 (Mon) - January 31, 2027 (Sun)

Target Regions: Kuroishi City (Aomori Prefecture), Semboku City, Nikaho City (Akita Prefecture), Sagae City, Kahoku Town, Takahata Town (Yamagata Prefecture)

Application Period: April 13, 2026 (Mon) - April 26, 2026 (Sun) * If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, a lottery will be held. If the capacity is not met, additional applications may be accepted.

Result Notification: Scheduled for April 30, 2026 (Thu)

Participation Requirements: (1) Visit the region at least the minimum number of times specified for each region and stay in the target region during the stay. (2) Use the Tohoku Shinkansen and eligible JAL Group flights the same number of times to visit the target region during the target period. (3) Be a JAL Mileage Bank and Ekinet member at the time of application. (4) Meet other conditions set by the local government.

Capacity: 5 or 10 people per municipality

Miles Awarded: Basic mileage for Tokyo (Haneda)/Osaka (Itami) = Aomori/Akita/Yamagata (up to 1 or 2 round trips) (*4)

Details URL: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/ja/dom/kantsuna/2chiiki/higashi-nihon/ (to be released on April 13)

Comments from the 6 cities and towns participating in the "East Japan Dual-Residence Promotion Consortium"

Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture Mayor: Ken Takahata

Kuroishi City is located at the foot of Minami Hakkoda and is known for its rich nature, producing apples and abundant hot springs. The "Nakamachi Komise Street" in the city center retains its Edo period townscape, and in summer, you can enjoy festivals such as "Neputa." Why not experience a town where nature and history harmonize through various menus such as agricultural work experience and town walks?

Semboku City, Akita Prefecture Mayor: Tomoaki Taguchi

Kakunodate's samurai residences, the lapis lazuli Lake Tazawa, and the steam of Nyuto Onsen - Semboku City is filled with rich time that cannot be found in the city. With the power of our collaboration with Japan Airlines and JR East, we will make every effort to help as many people as possible feel Semboku as their second home.

Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture Mayor: Yuji Ichikawa

Nikaho City is surrounded by Mount Chokai and the Sea of Japan, where you can easily enjoy mountaineering, canoeing, skateboarding, etc., centered around outdoor activity facilities. There are also farm stays and co-working spaces, making it an attractive town where you can meet local people, work in nature, and take on new challenges. We look forward to welcoming everyone who takes a new step with us.

Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture Mayor: Masao Saito

Sagae City, located in the center of Yamagata Prefecture, is a nature-rich town surrounded by Mount Gassan and the Asahi Mountain Range, with the Sagae River and Mogami River flowing through it. Fruit cultivation, including cherries, is thriving, and fruit picking can be enjoyed throughout the year. It is rich in culture, with Jionji Temple, which has a history of 1300 years, and a portable shrine festival, allowing you to experience a fulfilling life through agricultural experiences, various activities, and interaction with the community.

Kahoku Town, Yamagata Prefecture Mayor: Toshio Moriya

Kahoku Town offers a refreshing daily life with its "Cold Meat Soba" certified as a 100-year food by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, rich seasonal cuisine, hot spring inns with free-flowing hot springs, and homestays where warm interactions are born. The "Children's Zoo" is open all year round. With excellent access to airports and railways, why not start your ideal dual-residence lifestyle in Kahoku Town, where food, living, and healing resonate?

Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture Mayor: Tadahiro Takanashi

Takahata Town is about 2 hours and 20 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area by Yamagata Shinkansen. It is a town where organic farming and grape/wine making are rooted in rich nature. You can easily experience interaction with local people and a lifestyle different from your daily routine. We sincerely look forward to your visit as a first step towards dual-residence.

(*1) Press release dated February 6, 2026. Details URL: https://press.jal.co.jp/ja/release/202602/009367.html

(*2) Kuroishi City (Aomori Prefecture), Semboku City, Nikaho City (Akita Prefecture), Sagae City, Kahoku Town, Takahata Town (Yamagata Prefecture), East Japan Railway Company, NRI Digital, Ltd., Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

(*3) Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism announcement dated March 26, 2026. Details URL: https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/kokudoseisaku09_hh_000182.html

(*4) Limited to cases where round-trip Shinkansen use is confirmed. If the minimum number of visits specified for each region is 2, mileage will be awarded once. If the minimum number of visits is 4, mileage will be awarded twice.

End

Reference: Both companies' initiatives for dual-residence

＜JAL＞

In its "JAL Group Management Vision 2035," the JAL Group aims to improve the well-being of society and people by co-creating "relationships and connections" among individuals, companies, and regions. To promote dual-residence, a lifestyle that involves continuous engagement with local communities, JAL has been working in collaboration with various regions.

The "Tsunagaru, Nijiiki Kurashi" (Connecting, Dual-Residence Lifestyle) program, launched in 2025, which utilizes miles for dual-residence, received approximately three times the number of applications as its capacity, and has been well received by both dual-residence residents and local governments. Going forward, JAL will expand its efforts to reduce travel burdens to wider areas and focus on fostering connections with local communities.

＜JR East＞

The JR East Group is committed to its group management vision.