Just booked IAH-NRT-IAH for Feb 2019. Transferred Citi points, which I think took about an hour or less to go through, and then called Virgin Flying Club late tonight. Pretty painless process. The CSR was very nice, and the whole thing went pretty quick. The flight posted to my account immediately, and I already chose seats thru my ANA account.

Thanks for all the info in this thread! This is my first complex mileage redemption and my first trip to Japan. I can’t believe I’ll be going there in such first class style.