The DC-8 opened the door to the jet age and was the key to establishing a new era of long distance international flights. In addition to its elegant form, often described as the "lady in the sky," and superior performance, in-flight services were also popular as they made the most of Japanese culture, with a pure Japanese style lounge in the passenger cabin and seats made with Nishijin fabric.
The photograph shows JAL's first DC-8, named "Fuji." Over the next 27 years, JAL used a total of 60 DC-8 aircraft (including leased aircraft) in the -30, -50, and -60 series.