Thanks for all of the excellent information everyone!

All of this has sent me on a barrage of research. I'm afraid that after doing all my research that I need to rephrase my question. I just don't think I have the combination of points in order to be able to transfer to Singapore Airlines AND get the Hyatt hotels that I want in Japan - Park Hyatt Tokyo, Hyatt Kyoto, etc. (I run out of Chase points).

I guess my new question would be:

Using my American Airlines points is Japan Airlines the best first class available that is direct from the mainland to Tokyo (I love Cathay but don't want to go through Hong Kong) and it seems NH doesn't have two F seats available in general.

Thanks for everything you guys have said. I was able to use all of the information to simplify my question to this point. I genuinely appreciate it all.