Originally Posted by BenA

Neither Virgin Atlantic nor Virgin Australia fly to Japan, and they haven’t done so in the recent past, either. Plus, Japan routes wouldn’t be covered under the JV in either case. I don’t think cobranding concerns with them are part of the decision process here.

I do know from personal experience AF uses the (excellent) JAL lounge at HND; will be interesting to see if they switch. I’d guess not...