As of 2026, we are able to travel abroad with relative freedom, whether for pleasure or for work. It’s a wonderful time to be alive.
Going back 160 years, in 1866 (Keio 2), the Edo Shogunate lifted the ban on Japanese travel abroad. Through the “Proclamation Concerning the Certification of Permits for Overseas Travel,” the issuance of travel documents—the precursors to today’s passports—began. That “first passport” was first used on October 17—exactly 160 years ago today.
On October 17, the day the first passport was issued, the JAL Group held a “160th Anniversary of Passport Issuance Event” in front of Gate 11 at Haneda Airport Terminal 1 for JAL Flight 319 to Fukuoka (departing at 12:55 p.m.), with the support and cooperation of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Through this event, the JAL Group aims to encourage Japanese citizens to obtain passports and stimulate demand for overseas travel.
Next to Gate 11, valuable exhibits were on display, including posters featuring “Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji” × Japanese Passport (the design used in the visa section) and the “Great Japanese Empire Foreign Passport” held by JAL (No. 340180) [issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs on August 3, Shōwa 12 (1937)]—all of which are on display.
“Paspo-kun,” the mascot for the passport, also made an appearance at the event. In addition, flight attendants based overseas, dressed in the uniforms worn when JAL first launched its international flights, joined the event and helped liven up the atmosphere. In addition, Shigeru Matsuda, Chief Administrative Officer of the Passport Division, Consular Bureau, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and Tomoaki Kabeya, General Manager of the International Flight Planning Group, Passenger Sales Promotion Department, JAL, took the stage.
Shigeru Matsuda, Chief Administrative Officer, emphasized its importance, stating, “A passport is the only official document issued by the Japanese government to foreign governments that certifies the holder is a Japanese citizen and pledges protection and assistance for safe travel abroad.”
However, he noted that the current passport ownership rate among Japanese citizens is less than 20 percent, which is low compared to other countries. He also urged people to register with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ “Tabi-Regi” system when traveling abroad, explaining that “Tabi-Regi is a precaution for emergencies and serves as a lifeline for communication with embassies and consulates general.”
Next, General Manager Tomoaki Kabeya appealed to passengers departing for Fukuoka on JAL Flight 319, saying, “We hope you’ll consider overseas travel as an option for your next vacation.” He then introduced the “JAL More! Overseas” campaign and the second phase of the giveaway campaign offering a total of 5.7 million miles. He also suggested relatively nearby destinations in East Asia and Guam as ideal first-time travel destinations.
Passengers on Flight JL319 received souvenirs such as a Passpo-kun pin, a “Tabi-Regi” flight tag, and a JAL Singapore coaster featuring the “JAL: Let’s Go Overseas!” QR code.
JAL’s first international flight was Flight JL602/604 on February 2, 1954, departing from Tokyo (Haneda) for San Francisco (with stopovers at Wake Island [for refueling] and Honolulu), marking the airline’s first step onto the world stage as the “Wings of Japan.” As of March 31, 2026, the JAL Group operates international passenger flights to 413 cities in 71 countries and regions (including codeshare flights). Of these, JAL operates 71 routes with its own aircraft.
Due to the weak yen and global political instability, the passport ownership rate among Japanese citizens—as mentioned earlier—is less than 20 percent, which is not particularly high; however, application fees have been significantly reduced for applications submitted on or after July 1, 2026. Through its “More! Overseas” campaign website, JAL is promoting passport acquisition and overseas travel with the message, “Overseas travel is now more accessible! Now is the time to visit the country of your dreams!”
© Source travel watch