Japan Airlines Partners with Akita Prefecture for New Inflight Dining Experience from Finland

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Japan Airlines, headquartered in Shinagawa-ku, Tokyo, under the leadership of President Mitsuko Tottori, has launched an exciting culinary partnership with Akita Prefecture’s Akita Food Promotion Division and Ogachino Kimuraya Co. Commencing June 1, 2024, JAL has introduced a new inflight dining experience featuring Akita’s famed delicacy, “Iburigakko” (Smoked Pickled Radish), on its premium economy and economy class flights from Helsinki to Haneda. This collaboration, developed in close collaboration with Akita Prefecture, aims to promote the export and broader market presence of local products, while fostering regional growth, cultural exchange, and global interest in Akita.

The centerpiece of this initiative is the distinctive “Iburigakko,” celebrated for its robust smoky flavor. Served alongside a cheese salad, this exclusive menu offering is available exclusively on Flight JL48 departing from Helsinki, enriching the travel experience in both Premium Economy and Economy Class. Travelers can savor this special culinary treat until August 31, 2024, immersing themselves in the authentic gastronomic heritage of Akita during their journey.

“Iburigakko,” originating from the traditional “Iburi Hoshi Daikon” method, is a treasured Akita specialty crafted by smoking daikon radishes over hearth fires. This age-old preservation technique, designed to withstand severe winters, imparts a deep umami flavor, enhanced by the smoky and salty notes characteristic of Akita’s culinary traditions.

This pioneering collaboration represents JAL’s inaugural initiative to showcase Akita Prefecture’s local treasures on international flights originating from overseas hubs, reaffirming its dedication to promoting Japanese regional cuisine on a global scale.