When it comes to best service between JFK and NRT, nothing touches All Nippon Airways' new Club ANA Business Class product. Their First Class is also incredible. You can also find a trip report for NRT-LHR (in First, but with pictures of Business Class, as well) here. Note this is the same First and Business cabin that flies between JFK and NRT.

ANA is a member of the Star Alliance, so you can join United's Mileage Plus program and have your miles (125% for paid Business) credited to that account. On a paid Business Class fare, you will have access to the United Red Carpet Club airport lounge at both JFK and NRT, as well as ANA's lounge at NRT. You may bring one guest into the lounge.

Or you could fly United, which is offering double qualifying miles (for $100 - see here). That would give him 27,000 EQMs for a R/T which would make him a United Premiere / Star Alliance Silver member. So he would have access to Economy Plus (35" pitch) on any UA mainline flight through February 2005.

While nice, UA's transpacific Business Class is not to the level of ANA's. However, you can see "what's cooking" here. But then, being a Premiere would be nice to have for future domestic travel. UA is also offering free companion First and Business Class tickets when buying a full-fare ticket through their Ameniti program. FlyerTalk Discussion On Ameniti