Update our readers on all Nippon’s new cabin design and theme.

Our new brand, Inspiration of Japan, is focused on three elements — innovation, originality and modern Japan — which will help ANA lead the airline industry. Our innovation will provide passengers with inspiring discoveries and fresh experiences every time they fly. Our originality and creativity will allow us to exceed expectations with incomparable value and exceptional service. The modern Japan element will blend new concepts with modern Japanese technology and a special style of hospitality known as omotenashi — being aware of customers’ wants and needs before they need to ask.

The new IOJ [Inspiration of Japan] business class, ANA Business Staggered, offers tons of space and fully flat seats. ANA is the first Japanese airline to have a perfectly spaced seat configuration, with every seat on an aisle. Our philosophy in business class: Passengers can do what they want, when they want, whether eating, relaxing or working.

IOJ begins on Narita (NRT)–New York (JFK) flights Feb. 20, going daily in April. Later this year, IOJ will start on flights to Europe and grow from there.

What does ANA offer the business and luxury traveler over other carriers to Japan?

Travelers on ANA experience amazing design, style, elegance, comfort, hospitality and privacy. In first class, ANA First Square, passengers essentially get their own room. With high panel walls and tons of space, the cleverly designed square cabin provides maximum privacy. First Square guests enjoy entertainment options on 23-inch LCD, touch-panel, wide-screen monitors; exclusive check-in service at Narita Airport; and a refurbished suite-based lounge area. Premium passengers will also enjoy great cuisine. The menus, updated monthly, will offer 30 different kinds of dishes.

ANA Premium Economy offers a generous 42-inch seat pitch; a fixed-back, shell-style seat that reclines without disturbing other passengers; a large, adjustable divider; and a 12-inch monitor with noise-canceling headsets.

How does the Inspiration of Japan translate into service and amenities?

With IOJ, we promise excellence; privacy; freedom; and exceptional, warm Japanese hospitality. IOJ is about going above and beyond, exceeding expectations and rekindling the love and romance of flight. These goals may seem lofty, but we believe that we’re at the vanguard of the industry. We are relentless in our efforts to become Asia’s No. 1 airline, and we feel confident we’ll achieve our goals.

Tell our readers about your career.

I’ve been with ANA for almost 35 years, starting as a check-in agent and then transferring to administration. When ANA started international operations in 1986, I worked in the international department, in passenger service and market development. After that, I focused on sales-related activities in Japan, Thailand and the United States.

My father was a local commercial pilot; I was raised near the airport, and he often took me flying. You could say it’s in my blood. I was impressed by ANA. I saw them as a dynamic, innovative and exciting company with a bright future, and I was privileged to be hired.