Short answers, pulled from the story.
Japan Airlines opened its doors on the 1st of August 1951 with an initial capital of 100 million yen. The government recognized a need for reliable air transportation to help Japan recover after World War II.
International operations started on the 2nd of February 1954 when eighteen passengers flew from Tokyo to San Francisco via Wake Island and Honolulu aboard a Douglas DC-6B City of Tokyo. These early routes were advertised as being operated by American crews and serviced by United Airlines in San Francisco.
The Tsurumaru logo created in 1958 by Jerry Huff represents a Japanese red-crown crane with wings extended in full flight. Huff drew inspiration from personal crests found in We Japanese book showing pages of samurai family crests including the crane symbolizing loyalty and strength.
Following corporate restructuring, Japan Airlines returned to classic tsurumaru logo starting the 1st of April 2011. Last remaining aircraft carrying Arc of the Sun livery retired in January 2016.
Eco Jet repainted Boeing 777-200 JA8984 in 2008 and Boeing 777-300ER JA731J in 2009 highlighted environmental reduction efforts with green arc replacing red tail marking. JAL serves as official airline of Tokyo Disney Resort sponsoring Star Jets attraction featuring current livery variations.