JAL and JR East Launch Dual Residence Program "Living in Two Regions in Eastern Japan" ~Awarding JAL Mileage for Shinkansen Visits~

Tokyo, Japan – Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (Headquarters: Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Mitsuko Tottori; hereinafter "JAL") and East Japan Railway Company (Headquarters: Shibuya-ku, Tokyo; President and Representative Director: Yoichi Kise; hereinafter "JR East") will launch the "Living in Two Regions in Eastern Japan" (hereinafter the "Program"), an experiential program for dual residence targeting the Tohoku region, starting June 2026.

This Program is an initiative based on the partnership agreement (*1) concluded between JAL and JR East, aiming to create a population of individuals with connections to and permanent residents in the Tohoku region. This demonstration project, which established the "Eastern Japan Dual Residence Promotion Consortium" (*2) encompassing nine organizations including six regions in Aomori, Akita, and Yamagata Prefectures, not only aims to reduce the travel cost burden for dual residents but was also selected as a leading project by the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism for its "Leading Project Implementation Project for Dual Residence" (*3).

The Program allows participants to try out dual residence that best suits their lifestyle by utilizing both the Shinkansen for round trips and airplanes for linear travel. Participants who use the Shinkansen for a round trip upon their visit will be awarded mileage equivalent to one round trip on eligible routes, which can be used for JAL Group award tickets on their next visit (*4). Furthermore, by including "Connection Experience Menus" that enable interaction with local residents during their stay, the Program supports the building of continued relationships even after the program concludes. Details can be found on the special website.

Through this Program, JAL and JR East aim to promote the mutual use of Shinkansen and air travel, while also addressing the shortage of regional workers and fostering the creation of permanent and connected populations.

"Living in Two Regions in Eastern Japan" Overview

Program Period: Monday, June 1, 2026 – Sunday, January 31, 2027 Target Regions: Kuroishi City (Aomori Prefecture), Semboku City/Nikaho City (Akita Prefecture), Sagae City/Kahoku Town/Takahata Town (Yamagata Prefecture) Application Period: Monday, April 13, 2026 – Sunday, April 26, 2026 *If the number of applicants exceeds the capacity, a lottery will be held. Additional recruitment may occur if capacity is not met. Notification of Results: Scheduled for Thursday, April 30, 2026 Participation Requirements: (1) Visit the target region at least the minimum number of times specified for each region and stay in the target region during your visit. (2) During the target period, visit the target region by using the Tohoku Shinkansen and JAL Group flights on eligible routes an equal number of times. (3) Be a member of JAL Mileage Bank or Ekinet at the time of application. (4) Meet other conditions stipulated by the local government. Capacity: 5 or 10 people per municipality Mileage Awarded: Tokyo (Haneda)/Osaka (Itami) = Base mileage for 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/ (Scheduled to be released on April 13)

Comments from the six municipalities participating in the "Eastern Japan Dual Residence Promotion Consortium"

[Kuroishi City, Aomori Prefecture Mayor: Ken Takahi] Kuroishi City is located at the foot of Mt. Nan-Hakkoda and is known for its apples produced by rich nature and abundant hot springs. The "Nakagoshi Komise-dori" street within the city has been preserved with its Edo period townscape, and festivals such as Neputa are enjoyed in the summer. Experience our town where nature and history harmonize through various menus including employment experiences in agriculture and town walks.

[Semboku City, Akita Prefecture Mayor: Tomoaki Taguchi] Kakunodate's samurai residences, the sapphire-colored Lake Tazawa, the steam from the Nyuto Onsen hot springs – Semboku City breathes a rich time that cannot be found in cities. With the strength of our cooperation with Japan Airlines and JR East, we will make every effort to ensure that as many people as possible feel Semboku as their second hometown.

[Nikaho City, Akita Prefecture Mayor: Yuji Ichikawa] Nikaho City is surrounded by Mt. Chokai and the Sea of Japan, and you can easily enjoy mountaineering, canoeing, and skateboarding, centered around outdoor facilities. There are also farm guesthouses and co-working spaces, making it an attractive town where you can meet local people, work in nature, and take on new challenges. We await those who will take a new step forward with us.

[Sagae City, Yamagata Prefecture Mayor: Makoto Saito] Sagae City, located in the center of Yamagata Prefecture, is a naturally rich town surrounded by Mt. Gassan and the Asahi Mountain Range, with the Sagae and Mogami rivers flowing through it. Fruit cultivation, including cherries, is popular, and you can enjoy fruit picking throughout the year. With a 1300-year history at Jion-ji Temple and vibrant festivals like the Mikoshi parade, you can experience a fulfilling life through agricultural experiences, various activities, and interaction with the community.

[Kahoku Town, Yamagata Prefecture Mayor: Toshio Moriya] Our town offers a heartwarming daily life, featuring "cold soba with meat" certified as a 100-year food by the Agency for Cultural Affairs, rich seasonal cuisine, hot spring inns with free-flowing water, and homestays fostering warm interactions. It also boasts a "Children's Zoo" open year-round. With excellent access to airports and railways, why not start your ideal dual residence in Kahoku Town, where food, living, and healing resonate?

[Takahata Town, Yamagata Prefecture Mayor: Tadahiro Takanashi] Takahata Town is approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes from the Tokyo metropolitan area via the Yamagata Shinkansen. It is a town rooted in organic farming and grape and wine production amidst rich nature. You can easily experience interaction with local people and a life different from your daily routine. We sincerely welcome your visit as the first step towards dual residence.

(*1) Press release dated February 6, 2026. Details URL: https://www.jreast.co.jp/press/2025/20260206_ho02.pdf (*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 Co., Ltd., Japan Airlines Co., Ltd. (*3) March 26, 2026. Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism press release. Details URL: https://www.mlit.go.jp/report/press/kokudoseisaku09_hh_000182.html (*4) This applies only when round-trip Shinkansen use is confirmed. If the minimum visit count required by the region is two, mileage will be awarded once; if four, twice.

Reference: Dual Residence Initiatives by Both Companies

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

The "Tsunagaru, Niji-iki Gurashi" (Connecting, Dual Residence) program, launched in 2025 utilizing mileage, received approximately three times the planned number of applications and has been well-received not only by dual residents but also by local governments. In the future, JAL plans to expand initiatives to reduce travel burdens to a wider area and focus on fostering connections with local communities.

<JR East> JR East Group aims to realize the Lifestyle Transformation (LX) outlined in its Group Management Vision "Yusho 2034." As part of this, by expanding the flow of people between urban and rural areas through the promotion of dual residence and similar initiatives, JR East aims to create connected populations and ultimately permanent residents. In FY2025, JR East partnered with Sanjo City, Niigata Prefecture, and has been advancing efforts under the "Tsubame Sanjo Local Innovation Promotion Consortium."

Moving forward, JR East and JAL will cooperate to reduce travel burdens, which are essential for dual residence, and promote dual residence in collaboration with local governments. Starting in the spring of 2027, JR East will also leverage the "Gotouchi Suica" service to expand unique services and local discount support menus for dual residents (hometown residents).