JAL and JR East Launch Dual-Region Living Program, 'East Japan, Dual-region living' ~ Awarding JAL Miles for Visits via Shinkansen ~

Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, President & Group CEO: Mitsuko Tottori, hereinafter 'JAL') and East Japan Railway Company (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo, President and CEO: Yoichi Kise, hereinafter 'JR East') will launch a dual-region living experience program targeting the Tohoku region, 'East Japan, Dual-region living' (hereinafter 'this program') starting from June 2026.

This program is an initiative aimed at creating a related and settled population in Tohoku, based on the partnership agreement (*1) signed between JAL and JR East. This demonstration project, which launched the 'East Japan Dual-Region Residence Promotion Consortium' (*2) with a total of 9 organizations including 6 regions in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata prefectures, aims not only to reduce the burden of travel costs for dual-region residents but was also selected for the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism's 'Dual-Region Residence Pioneering Project Implementation Project' (*3) as a pioneering project transcending the framework of transportation operators.

In this program, participants can try out dual-region living that better suits their lifestyle by utilizing both the Shinkansen, which allows for touring, and airplanes, which allow for linear travel. For those who use the Shinkansen for a round trip during their visit, miles equivalent to one round trip on eligible routes will be granted so that JAL Group award tickets can be used on their next visit. (*4) In addition, we are pushing for the construction of ongoing relationships even after the program ends, such as offering '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 aim to promote the mutual use of Shinkansen and aviation, while resolving local shortages of workers and creating settled and related populations.

■ 'East Japan, Dual-region living' Overview
Target period: June 1, 2026 (Mon) - January 31, 2027 (Sun)
Target regions: Kuroishi City, Aomori Pref.; Semboku City and Nikaho City, Akita Pref.; Sagae City, Kahoku Town, and Takahata Town, Yamagata Pref.
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 be conducted.
Notification of results: Scheduled for April 30, 2026 (Thu)
Participation requirements:
(1) Visit the region more than the minimum number of visits specified for each region, and stay overnight in the target region during the stay.
(2) During the target period, use the Tohoku Shinkansen and eligible JAL Group flights an equal number of times to visit the target region.
(3) Must be a JAL Mileage Bank and Ekinet member at the time of application.
(4) Must meet other conditions set by the local government.
Capacity: 5 or 10 people per local government
Granted miles: Basic miles for Tokyo (Haneda) / Osaka (Itami) = Aomori / Akita / Yamagata (up to 1 or 2 round trips) (*4)
Detail URL: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/ja/dom/kantsuna/2chiiki/higashi-nihon/ (Scheduled to be published on 4/13)

■ Comments from 6 cities/towns participating in the 'East Japan Dual-Region Residence Promotion Consortium'