I flew JL J NRT-JFK (old style) using a VIP03 last year (yes, you heard that correctly, although there were extenuating circumstances), and it was worse or equal to my AA flight over in every category. While the service was more typical of a Asian carrier ('cuz, duh, it is one), the FAs on my two JALways flights in coach were much more motivated/service minded/attentive to empty water/beer glasses, etc.

I didn't have time to check out the lounge, though.

As the detractors of the US airlines' "upgrade culture" would be glad to note, the choice that many of us make is AA J vs. another airline's Y, and that's more motivating to me than the quality of the lounge.