(Joint Release) JAL and JR West Launch Flexible Dual-Residence Program in Matsue City

July 16, 2026

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd.

West Japan Railway Company

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter "JAL") and West Japan Railway Company (Headquarters: Osaka, Osaka Prefecture; President: Shoji Kurusaka; hereinafter "JR West") will jointly launch a dual-residence experience program, "Living in Western Japan" (hereinafter "the Program"), starting September 2026. In its first year, the program will focus on Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture.

The Program is based on a collaboration agreement signed between JAL and JR West (*1) and aims to increase relational population in western Japan. It has been selected as a pilot initiative under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's "Pilot Project for Implementing Dual-Residence Programs" (*2), marking a pioneering effort that transcends traditional transportation provider roles.

Under the Program, participants who visit Matsue City at least twice during the designated period will receive travel support equivalent to two round-trip journeys in the form of JAL miles or WESTER points. Participants may freely choose between air and rail travel and earn corresponding miles or points (*3) based on their selected mode of transport. It is also possible to use different transportation methods for outbound and return trips, allowing flexibility to match individual lifestyles.

(*1) Press Release dated April 30, 2026: JR West and JAL Sign Agreement to Strengthen Collaboration for Solving Social Issues in Western Japan

https://press.jal.co.jp/en/release/202604/009508.html

(*2) MLIT Announcement, June 29, 2026

Detailed URL: https://www.mlit.go.jp/kokudoseisaku/chisei/content/002008450.pdf

To ensure participants fully experience the charm of Matsue City and its surroundings, the Program includes a limited-time campaign offering discounted regional travel passes (*4) and "Connection Experience Menus" that facilitate interaction with local residents. These initiatives aim to sustain relationships between participants and the region even after the Program concludes.

Through this Program, JAL and JR West aim to address regional labor shortages and foster both permanent residency and relational population by integrating air and rail mobility.

Overview of "Living in Western Japan"

Program Period: September 1, 2026 (Tue) – January 31, 2027 (Sun)

Target Area: Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture (1 region)

Capacity: 10 participants (selection by lottery if oversubscribed)

Application Period: July 17, 2026 (Fri) – August 2, 2026 (Sun); additional recruitment may be conducted based on applications received

Result Notification: Scheduled for August 7, 2026 (Fri)

Participation Requirements:

① Visit Matsue City at least twice during the program period and stay overnight within the city

② Travel to the target area using a JAL Group-operated flight or railway (*5) during the program period

③ Be a member of JAL Mileage Bank or WESTER at the time of application

④ Attend a relocation exchange event during the stay

⑤ Conduct a consultation with a relocation concierge during each visit

Support Provided: JAL miles or WESTER points equivalent to two one-way trips

JAL Miles: Base miles for Tokyo (Haneda) / Osaka (Itami) to Izumo

(Tokyo departure: 7,500 miles per one-way trip; Osaka departure: 5,500 miles per one-way trip)

WESTER Points: Points equivalent to part of the fare and charges for travel between Shin-Osaka Station and Matsue Station

(5,000 points per one-way trip; fares between Okayama Station and Matsue Station are excluded. (*5))

Detailed URL: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/dom/kantsuna/2chiiki/nishi-nihon/

(*3) Points awarded correspond to the selected mode of transport. If traveling by rail, WESTER points will be awarded; JAL miles cannot be selected.

(*4) JR West's travel guide "tabiwa by WESTER" offers regional passes available in designated areas. A point redemption campaign targeting Program participants will also be conducted.

Detailed URL: https://www.jr-odekake.net/ticket/tabiwa/pass/

(*5) For rail travel, participants must use the route designated by JR West.

Designated Route: Shinkansen (WESTER Points Benefit Ticket) between Shin-Osaka Station and Okayama Station; Limited Express Yakumo between Okayama Station and Matsue Station (WESTER Points Benefit Ticketless)