JOHN LOBB | Introducing a Shoe Polishing Service for the Discerning Traveler

JOHN LOBB | John Lobb

Japan Airlines First Class Lounge Opens at Haneda Airport

John Lobb Shoe Shine Service for First Class Passengers

Japan Airlines (JAL) opened its "First Class Lounge" on the 4th floor of the central international terminal at Haneda Airport, which has become increasingly convenient as a gateway to the world with the expansion of international flight slots. At the recommendation of Mr. Kaoru Koyama, JAL's Senior Advisor for New Products and Services and a broadcast writer, John Lobb's shoe shine service has been introduced for the first time as an airport service worldwide. We spoke with Mr. Tomooki Matsuda, President of John Lobb Japan, about the collaboration with JAL.

Photographs by SUZUKI Shimpei (INTERVIEW)Text by KAJII Makoto (OPENERS)

What is the "Ultimate Service" for Travelers?

JAL's First Class Lounge, where guests can spend their time as they wish before departure, is designed with the concept of "Modern Japanese - Sophisticated Japanese Style," creating a space that expresses Japanese hospitality throughout, while emphasizing privacy for a relaxing stay at each seat. Guests can also enjoy food and drink services befitting a First Class Lounge.

In the innermost space of the First Class Lounge, the adult space "RED Suite" has been created, consisting of four zones: a library, a gallery, a play room, and a bar. In the library room, shoe shine services are available from staff trained by John Lobb, and it is already proving popular.

Step into a New Land with Polished Shoes

Regarding the introduction of this service, Mr. Matsuda stated, "We have received a positive response from guests since the grand reopening of the First Class Lounge. This time, we were invited by Mr. Kaoru Koyama to participate, and we are operating with a team of three, primarily consisting of staff who have experience as John Lobb store managers."

Internationally, John Lobb collaborates with top hotels such as The Connaught in London and The Mark in New York, offering services by dedicated butlers trained in shoe shining at John Lobb, which have been well-received. In Japan, they also offer shoe shining services at Mandarin Oriental Tokyo.

"By allowing our customers to receive shoe shining, which is the service John Lobb is most proud of, before their journey, we hope they will re-recognize the importance of their shoes when traveling and depart for new places with a fresh mindset," said Mr. Matsuda.

Although the start date is undecided, Mr. Koyama has also requested a similar service for JAL's First Class at Narita Airport, suggesting that the reach of John Lobb's shoe shining services will continue to expand.

John Lobb Japan
Tel. 03-6267-6010
http://www.johnlobb.com/jp