Press Release

Japan Airlines (JAL) today announced that the carrier will introduce a new Japanese meal on its international first class menu featuring a pair of Michelin 3-star chefs. The newest addition to the lineup of JAL’s Japanese menus will be available on select routes from March 1, 2018.

JAL has been serving unique, high-quality in-flight meals on its North America, Europe, Australia and Southeast Asia routes under the concept of “JAL BEDD SKY AUBERGE.”

The carrier is pleased to welcome Chef Hideki Ishikawa, owner-chef of kaiseki restaurant ISHIKAWA in Kagurazaka, Tokyo and Chef Kouji Koizumi, head chef of Ishikawa’s sister restaurant, KOHAKU, which serves Japanese culinary with a twist. Both ISHIKAWA and KOHAKU are listed with three stars in the most recent edition of Michelin Guide Tokyo.

JAL will continue to deliver a delectable and unforgettable dining experience to passengers in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere on the carrier`s exclusive restaurant in the sky.

Applicable Class: International First Class

Applicable Routes

Tokyo (Narita) to Chicago, New York, Los Angeles

Tokyo (Haneda) to New York, San Francisco, London (JL043), Paris

Overview of JAL`s First Class Japanese Menu (March 2018～May 2018）

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Hideki Ishikawa (ISHIKAWA)

Born in Niigata Prefecture in 1965. After working at a number of restaurants, such as Harajuku Sakura, Aoyama Hozumi and Nogizaka Kamiya, he became head chef of Japanese restaurants in Saitama and Yaesu, Tokyo. In 2003, he opened restaurant Ishikawa in Kagurazaka, relocated to the current location in 2008, and opened sister restaurants Kohaku in 2008 and Ren in 2009. Chef Ishikawa is enthusiastic about nurturing young chefs and both Kohaku and Ren have become world famous kaiseki restaurants. Ishikawa and Kohaku were awarded Michelin 3 stars, and Ren, Michelin 2 stars. 

Kouji Koizumi (KOHAKU)

Born in Kanagawa Prefecture in 1979. Apprentice to Ishikawa’s Hideki Ishikawa. He was appointed executive chef of Kohaku, which opened in 2008, and gained recognition as the youngest chef in Japan of a Michelin 3-star restaurant in 2015.

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