Living ANA: Turning Everyday Life in Japan into Miles (Part 1 of 4)

When Raj first moved to Japan, he was determined to make the most of his new life. Beyond the excitement of ramen shops, cherry blossoms, and the dizzying pace of Tokyo, he had a very practical dream: to earn as many ANA Mileage Club miles as possible.

Flights were the obvious way, but as an average income earner, Raj knew he couldn’t afford to fly every month. Instead, he began searching for ways to weave ANA into his daily routines—and slowly discovered that ANA wasn’t just an airline, but a lifestyle partner.

Settling in: Utilities become miles

In his first two years, Raj focused on the basics—finding an apartment, learning how to pay bills, and adjusting to life in Japan. That’s when he discovered ANA Denki (electricity) and ANA Gas.

At first, he paid through Sony Bank transfers, but Raj soon realized that using his ANA credit card for utilities earned more miles. He switched his electricity and gas payments to his ANA card, ensuring that every monthly bill contributed directly to his mileage goals. Bundling both services meant thousands of miles a year, just for keeping his home running.

Moving more, earning more

Commuting in Tokyo meant endless train rides and long walks. Raj downloaded ANA Pocket, a mobile app that rewarded him for walking, cycling, and even riding the train. Suddenly, his daily commute wasn’t just a routine—it was another way to earn points that could be converted into miles.

Later, Raj used his ANA credit card to subscribe to the Pro version of ANA Pocket, unlocking higher point-earning rates for his daily commutes and walks. This meant more Pocket points, and ultimately, more ANA miles.

Shopping smart

By his third year, Raj had settled into routines and started shopping online more often. That’s when he discovered ANA Mileage Mall, ANA’s shopping portal.

Instead of going directly to Rakuten or Zozotown, he accessed them through ANA’s site. Every purchase—from groceries to electronics—earned him miles. Seasonal campaigns boosted the earning rate, turning everyday shopping into a steady mileage stream.

Traveling without flying

Domestic trips became part of Raj’s lifestyle. Booking hotels and rental cars through ANA Travelers meant he could earn miles while exploring Japan’s countryside. Whether it was a ryokan in Hakone or a budget hotel in Osaka, ANA Travelers ensured his leisure time fed back into his mileage goals.

He also discovered the joy of an occasional staycation in Tokyo. Booking a hotel near his workplace meant avoiding the stress of an early morning train commute, while still earning miles through ANA Travelers.

Financial power: Sony Bank and ANA Cards

Raj didn’t abandon Sony Bank entirely. While he shifted utility payments to his ANA credit card for better mileage, Sony Bank became his savings hub. He discovered foreign currency time deposits, which not only grew his money but also earned him significant ANA miles—the single largest contributor to his mileage balance.

Together, Sony Bank deposits and his ANA credit card became the engine of his mileage journey, powering both his daily spending and long-term financial growth.

Home and Real Estate: ANA Residential Services

As Raj settled deeper into Japan, he even found ANA touching his home life. Through ANA Residential Services, he could earn miles on home repairs, renovations, and property-related expenses.

For Raj, this meant that even upgrading his apartment or fixing household issues could feed back into his mileage strategy. ANA’s real estate arm, ANA Facilities Co., Ltd., also manages properties and development projects, showing how ANA integrates into Japan’s urban living. While Raj didn’t buy property, knowing that ANA miles could be tied to real estate services made him feel that ANA was woven into every corner of his life.

Insurance and security

Raj also explored ANA Insurance options, including travel and health coverage. While insurance was primarily about peace of mind, the fact that it tied into ANA’s mileage ecosystem made it feel like another piece of the puzzle. Even his financial security contributed to his mileage goals.

Beyond Japan: Partner airlines

By his fifth year, Raj realized that ANA miles weren’t limited to flights in and out of Japan. He could use them to book partner airline flights through Star Alliance. On one trip home to Mumbai, he redeemed miles for a flight to Singapore—no ANA aircraft involved, but still powered by ANA Mileage Club.

This opened up a whole new world: ANA miles could take him anywhere, not just back to Tokyo.

The Bigger Picture

Raj’s journey shows that maximizing ANA Mileage Club isn’t about flying more—it’s about living smarter.

• His utilities earned him miles (especially after switching to ANA credit card payments).

• His daily commutes and walks earned him miles.

• His shopping habits earned him miles.

• His domestic trips and Tokyo staycations earned him miles.

• His Sony Bank deposits and ANA credit card (including ANA Pocket Pro) became his biggest mileage earners.

• His home repairs and real estate services tied into the ecosystem.

• Even his insurance policies contributed.

For a non-Japanese resident on an average income, ANA became more than an airline—it became a lifestyle partner. By integrating ANA Group services into his everyday routines, Raj turned ordinary life in Japan into extraordinary opportunities.

And every time he boards a plane—whether to visit family abroad or to explore Southeast Asia—he knows the miles powering his journey weren’t just earned in the skies. They were earned in the quiet, consistent rhythm of daily life in Japan.

✨ Closing Thought:

For foreign residents in Japan, the secret to ANA Mileage Club isn’t about flying more—it’s about living ANA. From the electricity that powers your apartment to the savings in your Sony Bank account, and even the repairs in your home, every moment can bring you closer to your next adventure.