a JAL flight to PDX would likely be from NRT as this is where the JAL cargo hub is located, and there is still tons of expensive cargo to Oregon from Japan and vice versa thanks to high tech industry (mostly semiconductors and their various suppliers, who currently don't have a nonstop route). Additionally there are several OW onward connections from NRT on JL and OW partners to throughout Japan and Asia. Would be easily profitable with a 787. I do believe PDX is still on the JAL drawing board as it was reported precovid that ZipAir (JAL subsidiary) was planning to serve PDX. They were planning to launch ALONGSIDE DL. JAL could easily knock off Delta from this route just as BA has somewhat knocked DL off PDX-LHR. But DL continuing to push back the start date really puts the Port of Portland in a tough position for resuming their Japan flights. On one hand PDX and DL have a unique partnership that they would be stupid to jeopardize if the Port were to reach out to JAL. On the other the Port needs to investigate all opportunities to help the greater Portland area attract and retain international service. I would think it might be a conflict of interest if PDX were to pitch something to JL behind the scenes, especially if DL continues to say "hey, we are still planning to start service." DL really should stop leading PDX on with the constant pushout of the Japan flights, but hey that's how business works. That said I would think it would need to be all JL wishing to initiate service to PDX. You all might write/tweet to JAL on twitter/social media to request Portland service. Portland will be the last city on the west coast without JAL parent company service once ZipAir starts SJC later this year December 2022.

The JAL contact link to request PDX service: https://www.jal.co.jp/jp/en/information/
And then click "your comments to JAL"---> submit online form