Best Airline to fly economy : JFK to Japan
 

Destination in Japan is flexible.

It's basically just JAL vs ANA, isn't it? Both 77W.
Is ANA 9-abreast or 10-abreast on JFK route?

I mean, it depends on the price, what miles you collect, etc, etc.

I fly YVR-TYO and decide btwn those two carriers...
Both JAL and ANA fly 787.
JAL food higher quality by concensus, but I find JAL food to be weird.
JAL seats significantly more spacious with more legroom than ANA's.
ANA FA's are nicer than JAL's
ANA gives me lounge access, no lounge access with JAL
I collect UA miles

For the same price, ANA wins every time for me.
But if you're neutral or certainly if you're a OW person, JAL would be the better option for the same price.

JAL 787. Only airline still flying the 787 in an 8 across configuration though I think you have to go through BOS / DFW now for it (used to get one of the two JFKNRT turns).

For direct there's also UA (HAHA) out of EWR but wouldn't advise it unless required for status or upgrade needs

787 also from SAN and YVR. I believe all of JAL's TPAC 787's are 8-abreast.

JAL all the way
 

Hey Buddy,

I've flown JAL in every class to Japan and liked them all. It's one of the few airlines I would even consider for such a long flight if I was gong econ. What ever you do DON'T fly on a US carrier. The Asian airlines are 10X better. Besides you'll be getting the feel for Japan by flying a Japanese airline (JAL).

Also consider Korean Air for good seat pitch.