Initiatives for an inclusive society promoted by the JAL Group | News
Japan Airlines (JAL) received the highest award, the “D&I AWARD Grand Prize” in the corporate category for companies with more than 3,001 employees, during Japan’s premier award recognizing and certifying companies that promote diversity and inclusion (D&I), the “D&I AWARD 2025*.” This is the first time that an airline has received this top prize. Furthermore, since 2021, JAL has been certified as the ‘Best Workplace’ with the highest rating for five years in a row. These recognitions reflect our continued commitment to fostering an inclusive workplace where diverse talent can thrive.
*The D&I AWARD 2025, organized by JobRainbow, is Japan’s premier award that recognizes companies for their diversity and inclusion efforts, assessing them on gender, LGBTQ+, disability, multiculturalism and caregiving using a 100-point system to promote inclusive workplaces and an “inclusive society.”
The initiatives highlighted in this award include:
– Expanding opportunities for employees with disabilities
In the international first class lounges of Haneda and Narita, JAL has introduced coffee and shoe shine services performed by employees with disabilities. Under the guidance of skilled specialists, these services improve customer experience and support employee career development.
– Increasing awareness through collaboration with HERALBONY
Designs by contracted artists of HERALBONY Inc. can be seen on onboard amenities, paper cups and meal covers. This collaboration promotes new value creation and increases social awareness regarding disabilities.
– Promoting the solution of social problems and advancing the understanding of LGBTQ+
In addition to internal policies and training, JAL sponsors events to support LGBTQ+ understanding. These initiatives are further strengthened through collaboration with other companies, including joint participation in events.
– Promoting shared parenting and supporting male workers in domestic and childcare roles
Seminars and cooking classes aimed at male employees promote gender equality at home, alongside initiatives to increase and improve the use of paternity leave.
– Creating new value through academic collaboration
Joint research with Ochanomizu University applies academic insights to address the gender gap and explore the new value of diversity.
– Employee-led DEI Promotion (JAL DEI Lab)
The volunteer-based, cross-functional “JAL DEI Lab” team drives group-wide DEI initiatives that embody diverse employee perspectives from different departments, including international members.
Building on these achievements, further efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the JAL Group and society as a whole are presented below.
Achievements in sports
JAL Group employees have delivered exceptional performances in various sports competitions in 2025.
● Para-athletics
Yudai Suzuki won back-to-back titles in the 200 and 400 meters at the Japanese Para-Athletics Championships in April 2025. Erina Yuguchi broke the world record in the 200 meters and the Asian record in the 100 meters at the NAGASE CUP 2025 in November 2025, setting new personal bests.
● Tokyo 2025 Deaf Olympic Games
At the Tokyo 2025 Deaflympics international sporting event, which started on Saturday, November 15, 2025, J-AIR affiliate Ayumu Ota participated in the mixed team event and men’s doubles badminton. This was Ota’s third consecutive appearance at the Deaflympics, following previous participation in Brazil. He won a gold medal in the mixed team event and came fourth in the men’s doubles.
For more information about JAL athletes and their inspiring achievements, visit the JAL website.
Collaboration with HERALBONY: Creating a society in which diverse values are respected
JAL has been working with HERALBONY Co., Ltd. since 2023. From the end of December 2025, three types of paper cups with various artworks will be provided on all domestic and international flights, until supplies last. Each of the three selected artworks emphasizes a unique individuality and expressive charm, conveying the message that embracing diversity means: “It’s okay to be yourself without fitting into one mold.” This initiative aims to respect and celebrate individuality. In addition, JAL can be seen for the first time with a foreign artist. By sharing these works of art with passengers, JAL aims to support the activities of artists with disabilities both in Japan and abroad and encourage them to take new steps forward.
Implementation of Boarding Experience sessions
The JAL Group offers boarding experience sessions designed for children and families who feel anxious about air travel due to developmental disabilities or related characteristics. These sessions provide participants with the opportunity to become familiar with the entire travel process – from check-in to the onboard and disembarkation experience – through a combination of classroom education and hands-on simulated activities.
Sessions were held in the Tokyo area in October 2025 led by JAL cabin crew members certified as ‘JAL Accessibility Assistants’. The next session is scheduled for spring 2026.
Since 2022, J-AIR has been holding annual boarding experience sessions in the Osaka area, using mock training facilities and real aircraft parked on the tarmac. In 2025, these sessions took place from June to October at Osaka Airport (Itami).
Efforts in both regions continue to alleviate participants’ anxiety and stress, with the aim of ensuring a safe, comfortable and reassuring air travel experience.
JAL Sunlight Co.,LTD. (JSL) is celebrating its 30th anniversary
JSL, a specialty subsidiary committed to advancing employment for people with disabilities, celebrated its 30th anniversary in November 2025. In an environment where disabilities are not seen as barriers to employment, JSL continually embraces new challenges.
JSL offers “Shoe-Shining Service” and “Hand-Drip Coffee Service” in JAL First Class Lounges at Haneda and Narita International Airports, services highly praised by customers.
In April 2025, JSL opened a new base at Osaka Airport (Itami), where it began offering cabin cleaning services and operating a cafe for employees.
Active participation in external skills competitions
JSL actively encourages its employees to participate in external skills competitions.
On Tuesday, September 30, 2025, Team “SKY CAFE Kilatto”, consisting of JSL employees, won first place in the “Challenge Coffee Barista” competition for baristas with disabilities.
In addition, at the 45th National Abilympics (National Skills Competition for Persons with Disabilities), held on Saturday, October 18, a JSL employee won the gold medal in the nail art category. JSL employees also participated in the “SHOESHINE GRAND PRIX,” a competition that showcased shoe shining skills and demonstrated great commitment and dedication.
December 3 to 9, 2025 is the government-designated Persons with Disabilities Week in Japan.
Anchored in the company’s philosophy of pursuing the well-being of all employees, JAL Group respects diversity and promotes a work environment that promotes DEI (Diversity, Equity & Inclusion), where everyone can be their authentic selves and perform at their best.
In Japan, approximately 9% of the population has some form of disability. To help realize an inclusive society in which all people, with or without disabilities, can live with confidence and peace of mind, the JAL Group actively promotes efforts to remove barriers and improve accessibility. The JAL Group strives to create an environment where people from different backgrounds – regardless of gender, age, nationality or disability – can work and grow together. The commitment extends to contributing to the creation of a rich and livable society for everyone.
The JAL Group is committed to eliminating the exclusion of people with disabilities and is a member of the global ‘Valuable 500’ network, which includes more than 500 companies and partners worldwide.
In December 2025, SYNC25 was held, the world’s first accountability summit, aimed at accelerating the inclusion of people with disabilities. The summit brought together Valuable 500 member companies and representatives from disability communities around the world to discuss the creation of a future inclusive society.
Junko Sakihara, Deputy Senior Vice President-Customer Experience, of the JAL Group, participated as a panelist in the session entitled ‘Enhancing Corporate Value and Innovation’, which shared the Group’s initiatives that connect diversity with business value.
JAL Group remains committed to cultivating an inclusive society and creating shared value through embracing diversity.
