Take our user survey and make your voice heard.
British actor Orlando Bloom was in Japan last week to celebrate British Airways launching the 787-9 Dreamliner on its route between London Heathrow and Narita, Tokyo. The star joined British Airways crew at the famous Kaminarimon monument outside Sensoji temple in Asakusa.
"The Lord of the Rings" actor flew in for the iconic photo call to mark the Dreamliner's launch on the route - and also took part in an exclusive Q&A with the airline, speaking about his career, love of travel and fascination with Japan. The 787-9 flight into Narita now runs seven days a week priced from 70,000 yen in World Traveller (economy), 180,000 yen in World Traveller Plus, and 350,000 yen in Club World (Business).
Addressing VIPs and invited guests at the official British Airways launch event, Bloom, who is affectionately referred to as "Orly" by Japanese media, told of his love of visiting Japan - and even showed off his Japanese language skills.
What’s your reaction to the new First cabin on the 787-9?
The First cabin on the 787-9 is spacious, comfortable and private. It is a great travelling experience.
What makes flying BA different to any other airline?
British Airways offers a great British experience - I enjoy afternoon tea on board, it’s a home away from home while travelling.
What trips do you have on your bucket list?
I would love to explore more of India, and Iceland looks like an incredible place to visit. The Blue Lagoon looks beautiful. Fortunately, British Airways travels to both.
Where would you like to go, off the beaten track?
Everest Base Camp has been a place I’ve always wanted to visit.
We know you’re a fan of Japan - why do you think so many people fall in love with this country?
The people are kind, the culture is fascinating and the food is wonderful - the whole experience is totally unique.
For anyone who hasn’t visited, please can you give us five things you must do on visiting the country?
- Not many people think of Japan as a place to go for great snowboarding, the powder snow in Hokkaido is like no other.
- Harajuku is great fun for shops and cultural experience in Tokyo.
- Mount Fuji recently became a World Heritage Site, it’s a beautiful view to see, especially in spring when the cherry blossoms are out.
- I enjoy an evening run around Imperial Palace in Tokyo with its stunning views. Especially after a long flight, I find exercise really helps combat jetlag.
- I visited Sensoji last night for the first time, even if you’re only in Japan for a few hours, it’s definitely worth a visit. My top tip is to visit in the evening when it is very tranquil.
How adventurous are you when it comes to trying new foods? What are the strangest dishes you’ve tried on your travels? And how about in Japan?
I'm very adventurous. I always like to experience new tastes when I am travelling, nothing is out of bounds. In Japan, I love to try "okonomiyaki" (a savory pancake and a festival dish).
If you weren’t an actor, which job would you have liked?
I wouldn’t change what I do for the world because I love it. It awards me the opportunity to travel the world, experience different cultures and in so doing broadens my horizons.
Who would be the best person to sit next to on a flight?
I would have chosen Muhammad Ali, he was an inspiration.
How do the fans in Japan compare to the rest of the world?
There's a sincerity and sweetness to the fans in Japan. Every time I come I am blown away by their thoughtfulness and generosity.
We heard a bit of your Japanese during your intro speech. Would you like to learn the language properly and how many words do you know already?
I love languages! I'd love to learn Japanese. I know a handful of phrases but would love to learn more.
© Japan Today
25 Comments
Login to comment
theeastisred
This proves the quotes are bogus. No British person would ever say, 'home away from home'. The British equivalent is always, 'home from home'. Also:
If by 'First cabin' we are talking about first class, you would certainly expect these to be spacious, comfortable and private on any airline.
veejay
What Japanese "journalism" does best: advertising
DiscoJ
They need more Japanese flight attendants. The first (and last) time I used them I don't think there were any native CAs aboard (at least not in economy).
DaDude
Why do I smell fake in this and a lot of the other things said?
M3M3M3
Not sure if it's proof. Orlando Bloom has probably spent the better part of two decades living in sunny Hollywood, not dreary, cold London. I'm sure he's picked up a few Americanisms along the way. If you were to confront him about it, perhaps he might now say 'I could care less'...meaning, of course, he couldn't care less.
clamenza
Just asked one of my British friends. He says "Home away from home" and has heard both versions back in Engerland
SimondB
Well if Orlando says it good I'm booking my next flight with BA.
Uhmmm. Ever tried economy?
Wakarimasen
nothing says "I'm BA, fly me" like a pseudo Elf reading some made up quotes from a teleprompter.
cleo
I bet we see that iconic giant paper lantern at the 2020 Opening Ceremony.
maninjpn
I wonder if this Japan trip will include a visit to Shinanomachi, otherwise known as "Soka Gakkai Town".
PSandoz
Orlando, Why would anyone take a flight to Narita, when BA also fly to Haneda. The trip from the Haneda to central Tokyo takes around 20 minutes as opposed to 90 minutes from Narita — well worth missing afternoon tea, (which, by the way, you also get on Haneda flights)
keika1628
This must be part of the new security before departure to Japan. My ticket was a round trip from Tokyo and still got this e-mail. It looks like immigration have finally got the Airlines to work for them, it's also possible that the days of filling out the landing card are almost over.
**Thank you for choosing British Airways for your trip to Tokyo. The authorities in your destination or connecting country require us to send specific information concerning all passengers before the flight's departure. Please verify that this information is correct and complete if necessary. Kindly be aware that the following information is required :
Personal information Passport information **
RealCDN
I have flown on a Dreamliner from Canada to Japan - cattle (economy) class. It was incredibly uncomfortable - squashed into a tiny seat like a sardine. It has been written (somewhere, in the past) that this aircraft was more suited to the Asian market as Asians are typically smaller than North Americans (or Europeans). And I am not talking about fat, just general 'frame' size. So, when I book any flights, I try to avoid this type of aircraft (on the aforementioned trip to Japan, the aircraft type was changed (after booking) from a 767 or 777 to a Dreamliner - grrr). I think Orlando commented on first class being roomy enough as there is no way - even with his being an actor - that he could keep a straight face to suggest that cattle class was roomy enough by any means.
Fadamor
It's not the aircraft's fault, it's the airlines' fault and your fellow passengers' fault for your lack of legroom. The airline decides how many seat rows will go in each section and they will pack as many seat rows into the fuselage as they can and still fill the flights. If the airline wanted, they could make EVERY row a first-class row - with a corresponding drop in passengers-per-flight. It's not profitable so it's not ever going to happen, but it's certainly POSSIBLE.
RealCDN
Perhaps I must opt for the month-long costly sea voyage on a freighter instead...
timtak
So that is how he stays that trim. Google says he wears a baseball cap and often red-tinted round sunglasses while jogging, possibly with fellowJapanophile Katy Perry.
KariHaruka
Oh good! After Virgin Atlantic pulled out of the route I started using BA instead.
Will they also eventually use the Dreamliner on the Heathrow to Haneda route I wonder?
Scrote
787s are quite uncomfortable now that the airlines put 9 seats in a row instead of the original 8. The armrest is too narrow and uncomfortable.
Serrano
"The First cabin on the 787-9 is spacious, comfortable and private"
What about the economy cabin? That's where most of the passengers get their knees crushed, er, sit.
"We know you’re a fan of Japan - why do you think so many people fall in love with this country?" Orlando: "he people are kind,"
He hasn't met my neighbors, lol, but I agree, most Japanese are kind, or at least polite.
"Who would be the best person to sit next to on a flight?" Orlando: "I would have chosen Muhammad Ali, he was an inspiration."
Good choice! Even better than Erika Sawajiri!
RealCDN
"croteAUG. 24, 2016 - 11:31AM JST
787s are quite uncomfortable now that the airlines put 9 seats in a row instead of the original 8. The armrest is too narrow and uncomfortable."
Exactly.
"Who would be the best person to sit next to on a flight?"
A Japanese stewardess. Any Japanese stewardess.
Alex Einz
sit with muhammad ali, in economy? lol..,......
Serrano
"Who would be the best person to sit next to on a flight?"
"A Japanese stewardess. Any Japanese stewardess."
Can't argue with that.
kurisupisu
When I do the UK-Japan trip, I can only think of collapsing into bed! Bloom goes jogging? Is that what flying first class can do for you?!?!?
Strangerland
Yep :)
You can lie down and sleep in first-class. It's a comfortable journey, with quality food. It's not nearly as tiring as flying coach.
RealCDN
OH OH... http://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2016/08/25/business/corporate-business/ana-cancels-dreamliner-flights-engine-trouble-warns-scrubbed/#.V79QrpgrKM8