#Japan #Tokyo #Japan Airlines #Yuna Kasai #Ryo Yoshikawa

Japan Airlines Welcomes New Athletes

In a move that underscores its commitment to social contribution through sports, Japan Airlines (JAL) has announced the hiring of three top athletes who will join the company in April 2026. This initiative is part of JAL's ongoing efforts to support athletic talent while also enhancing its corporate ethos.

The New Athletes

Yuna Kasai

• - Sport: Nordic Combined Skiing
• - Hometown: Hokkaido
• - University: Waseda University
• - Achievements: Champion at the 2025 Nordic Ski World Championships, Winner of the 2025 Nordic Combined World Cup

Yuna expressed her gratitude and excitement at this new chapter in her career, stating, "I am thrilled to join JAL as an athlete employee starting in April next year. I aim to soar like the airplanes that take to the skies, as part of a company striving to be 'the most chosen and loved airline group in the world.' I am committed to the challenge ahead and hope to become an athlete supported by many."

Haruka Kasai

• - Sport: Nordic Combined Skiing
• - Hometown: Hokkaido
• - University: Waseda University
• - Achievements: Third place at the 2025 Nordic Ski World Championships, Third place at the 2025 Nordic Combined World Cup

Haruka, Yuna’s sister, echoed similar sentiments sharing, "Being welcomed into JAL as an athlete employee is an honor. I aspire to be loved by people while showcasing my skills in Nordic Combined, soaring high like the airplanes I admire. I will continue to work hard and deliver impressive performances."

Ryo Yoshikawa

• - Sport: Track and Field (Sprinting)
• - Hometown: Chiba
• - University: Graduate School of Tsukuba University
• - Achievements: Competitor at the 2025 World Indoor Athletics Championships, 7th place at the 2025 Seiko Golden Grand Prix

Ryo expressed his excitement about joining JAL, stating, "I am incredibly honored to become an athlete employee at JAL, a company I have admired since childhood. I have drawn strength from watching JAL’s airplanes soar through the sky; it has inspired me to push forward during challenging times. I aspire to be a source of inspiration for others, continuing to improve both as an athlete and as a person."

Notable Accomplishments

Both Yuna and Haruka Kasai have demonstrated exceptional talent by earning podium finishes on international stages, showcasing their skills as representatives of Japan. Meanwhile, Ryo Yoshikawa holds a personal best of 45.88 seconds in the 400 meters, having participated in significant international competitions, marking him as a key athlete to watch in the future.

These three athletes are dedicated to not only their competitive activities but also to contributing to the community through various JAL-sponsored sports events and educational initiatives. They will leverage their experiences as athletes to enhance JAL’s products and services as well.

Looking Ahead

Japan Airlines is committed to supporting its athlete employees, enabling each of them to create new value while contributing to sustainable social progress and development. This initiative reflects JAL's forward-thinking approach, recognizing the potential of these athletes to inspire and uplift communities across the nation.

For more information on JAL's athlete employee program, please explore our website.