Emirates, a global connector of people and places, celebrated the opening of its 38th dedicated lounge at Terminal 2 of Narita International Airport. The opening not only showcased Emirates’ premium lounge, but provided an opportunity for guests to experience the airline’s on-board food offering on its Japan routes.

The new Emirates lounge is described as the first airline-owned lounge in Japan. It will provide an experience of seamless luxury and comfort for its First and Business Class customers, as well as platinum and gold members of Emirates Skywards — the airline’s frequent flyer program.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Tokuhisa Takano, SVP, Narita International Airport Corporation; Mohammed H. Mattar, Emirates’ divisional SVP airport services; and Nick Rees, Emirates manager, Japan, marked the lounge opening.

Makato Natsume, president and CEO, Narita International Airport Corporation, said, “I would like to express my heartfelt congratulations to Emirates for opening its world-class lounge here at Narita Airport. This is a Japan first. I look forward to further developments as Emirates and Narita International Airport move forward.”

Ryuta Sato, executive sous chef at Emirates Flight Catering, presented Emirates’ on-board dishes and led guests as they sampled First Class, Business Class and Economy Class dishes in traditional Japanese crockery with a selection of food in kobachi bowls served on kaiseki trays.

In the lounge, passengers are able to choose from a complimentary selection of fine beverages and a wide range of hot and cold delicacies from a gourmet buffet.

State-of-the-art LED TVs, complimentary Wi-Fi service, and shower facilities are available.

Emirates has invested more than $330 million in its lounges worldwide serving over 22 million customers since the opening of Emirates’ first international lounge outside its Dubai hub.

The airline has 37 dedicated lounges around its six-continent network. It commenced Japanese operations in 2002.