When we say we want status, I think we need to make it clear which benefit we want from the status.

Some wants it because they just want name, or
Bonus Mileage 100%
Priority Baggage
Extra Baggage allowance
Priority waitlisting
Priority Boading
Priotity Check-in
Lounge Access

One of my friends loves to be called and said, "Mr.XXXX, Thank you very much for using Japan Airlines so often." by cabin atendant in front of others even he sits in economy class. LOL

Let me tell you the case of Japan Air Line.

If you want Priority Check-in and 25% Bonus, you just need JAL-VISA gold card.

If you need more just like listed above, become JMB(Japan Mileage Bank) Sapphire(50.000miles or 50times) equal to One World Sappire and join JAL Global Club with JAL-CARD. Once you become JGC member and as long as you keep JALcredit card, your menbership is life time. If you don't join JGC, you need to fly a lot for next year again just like other FF program.

This year, I flew more than 50,000miles and got this status and JGC membership which is almost lifetime.

If you use only JAL, JGC membership is enogh and no need to fly with JAL to keep its membership. But if you want to keep One World Sappinre, you need to fly at least 20000miles, and four times with JAL every year. I mean JGC member is same as Sapphire in JAL, but actualy is Ruby in other airlines of One World Aliance.

I think it's not real LIFE TIME STATUS, but it is almost the same.

All Nippon Airways has simlar system. ANA is one of Star Aliance. (You can keep Gold status for lifetime)

Regards

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I don't know if foreign residents other than Japan can get JAL-VISA GOLD CARD. Please check JAL home page and you can jump to JAL-CARD.