I know there was the transit security checkpoint at NRT T1 before NW merged with DL in about 2008, but I also remember flying NW through NRT in the 1990s before T1 was remodeled, when the small lounge was landside and one needed to pay some airport departure tax in cash, even just to use the lounge during a connection. Later that tax was included in the total ticket price, so it became a bit harder to go landside for an hour or so, and then the NW Worldclub(s) moved to airside.

It's ironic that the transfer security rule is being changed just as carriers are eagerly moving their Tokyo operations from NRT to HND.