I'm thinking of flying JAL from KIX to LAX and I was wondering how their business class service is?

Is 1st class a flat bed?

Regarding JAL's BizClass, it is called the "Season." They change the color of their headrest cover and pillow every season. They feature the typical fifty inches legroom seat with legrest and high tech PTV system. JAL usually has a large section of C class on its LAX-NRT flight. I recommend the Boeing 747-400 JL 61/62/69/70 flight.

In terms of service, it will be the typical Asian airlines' service with friendly and helpful staff all the way.

Catering is a little bit more Japanese style. You will get the typical full course meal with appetizers. You can even have steamed rice to go with your Western course. In JAL, you always get a choice of Japanese or Western meal. Their bread is quite good too. There is the typical cheese, fruit, and dessert cart after dinner. There is now a self-service counter in between meals, which has candies, fruits, chips... and all those goodies. They have udon and soba de sky (high quality cup noodle) and ice cream service mid-flight. They now had a hot supper (to NRT) or hot breakfast (to USA) service prior to arrival.

Their service is quite good.

Regarding full flat, JAL has that service on all USA flights except Hawaii. NYC and Chicago flight get the latest version of its JAL solo sleeper seat.

I hope this info helps...

Carfield

Carfield has pretty much said all that needs be said, but I would recommend JAL Business class above other domestic (meaning US and J) carriers. It has been a couple years since I've flown JAL Business, and I haven't flown NW so can't compare, but "Asian hospitality" is truly first rate. As is the food.

If you can get JAL to join oneworld I'd have no complaints at all!