Originally Posted by fumje

Are these the options you're considering?
A. Economy on ANA going TYO - JFK (35k mile redemption);
B. Polaris on UA going TYO - SFO + economy on UA going SFO - EWR (65k mile redemption).

Contrary to others, I would choose A unless you are uncertain you'll use all your miles before expiry.

However, if you choose B you should be able to request that you be waitlisted for business SFO - EWR for no extra cost, since the 65k redemption is the price of an award business fare. That said, you may be very unlikely to clear the waitlist.