Japan never had a priority lane for passport control and customs as long as I can remember of my flying in and out of Japan for several decades now.

Passport control and customs are operated by the government and airlines has no control just like in the U.S. As was the case last month I arrived at JFK on JL 6 in F. Right before our flight KE A380 with full of passengers landed. Passport control at JFK Terminal 1 was flooded with people backing up beyond escalators leading to arrival formality floor.

Nothing I could do or JL could do. F passengers are no different than Y passengers in eyes of the government.

However, Hideki Matsui of former NY Yankees was in 1D in front of me in F. Upon arrival at JFK, Hideki Matsui was met with JAL ground staff at the door of the aircraft upon arrival, and Hideki Matsui was nowhere to be seen at the passport control or customs. Matsui Hideki disappeared through a side door.

I guess you and I are not special enough passengers in F. 😅