Review of Delta Air Lines flight from Detroit to Tokyo in Business

Welcome aboard for a series of flight reports around the Asia Pacific.This series will contain reports on 6 segments and cover 3 airlines. So, to borrow a phrase from many pilots, sit black, relax and enjoy the reports.
Background
The genesis of this trip (and others I have undertaken) occurred when I observed a fairly empty Delta One cabin for DL275 DTW-NRT around the New Year. This stands to reason with many business travelers home for the holidays especially the period between Christmas and New Year. This being the final year of Delta 747 service I decided to have a go at another ride on the Queen of the Skies. I built the rest of the trip around the DTW-NRT leg.
The routing and procurement method were as follows:
American Airlines LAX-ORD A321 First (Cash - No Report)
American Airlines ORD-DTW CR7 First (Cash - No Report)
Delta Air Lines DTW-NRT 747-400 Business (NRSA - This Report)
Delta Air Lines NRT-PVG 767-300ER Business (NRSA - Here)
Singapore Airlines PVG-SIN 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Here)
Singapore Airlines SIN-HKG 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Coming Soon)
Asiana Airlines HKG-ICN 777-200ER Business (Cash - Coming Soon)
Singapore Airlines ICN-LAX 777-300ER First (Krisflyer - Coming Soon)
Riding on the Delta 747 is like catching up with an old friend, there's never a bad time to do so. I was thankfully, assigned seat 10B in the second J cabin on the main deck between doors on and two. It's the largest of the J cabins with 20 Cirrus seats. The Cirrus seats found on the 747 and A330 fleets are my favorite in the Delta inventory.
Some views around the cabin.

The seat was adorned with 2 pillows, a duvet, a Tumi amenity kit, and slippers. Pre-departure beverages are passed by the flight attendant on trays and the choices consist of sparkling wine, orange juice, and Asahi beer. Carts are passed through the aisle first with newspapers and then with the Delta One "lounge wear". The purser introduces himself to each passenger and presents the menu for the flight.
Getting settled with a glass of Prosecco, served with some flavored cashews, and the new-to-me Delta One slippers.

I take a moment to peak out the window from the R2 door. Love the view.

There is a slight delay in departing due to a maintenance issue but we are well informed by the flight deck crew. The door is finally closed and after a brief taxi we're off.
Service begins with a hot towel. My lack of menu pictures in these reports is embarrassing at this point. I almost always forget.

Next the bar cart makes a pass with salmon appetizer. I request a glass of the fizz (Gardet Brut Premier Cru). The salmon was OK but not the most generous of portions. This is a blessing in disguise as there is quite a lot of food presented if you participate in the entire meal service. Which I do. :) I appreciate the cart service more and more as it seems so much more efficient. For example, after serving the appetizer the flight attendants pass back by and top up everyone's beverage.

Soup, salad and bread are served, again, from the cart. I switch to a still white wine (A German Pinot Blac). The tomato soup is hot, well seasoned and garnished with cheese curds. A good fresh plate of greens and citrus with a warm pretzel bread.

The main is served by hand and nicely plated. I have opted for Salmon. I find it well cooked and seasoned, however the bechamel style sauce was too rich for my taste and not visually enticing.

The two tiered dessert cart was paraded through next and i was unable to resist the temptation. A class of the dessert wine (Chateau du Cros Loupiac), ice cream with Biscoff crumble, and some cheese was a delightful way to wrap up this most satisfying meal.

Having not slept much the night before on a domestic F red eye I was quite knackered. I setup the bed and was quickly down for a nap. It was a short lived rest but suited me well. I came to above the great Northwest Territories poking into the Arctic Ocean.

Up to use the lav I browsed the snack offerings in the galley by door R1.

I had a nice chat with the flight attendant on duty at the time. We both lamented the finish line that is in sight for this great airplane. I was offered a snack from the menu and I took him up on some soba noodles and an Asahi. I enjoyed this light and refreshing dish.

Again I succumb to sleep and find us over Russian airspace when I awake. A beautiful dusk like light outside, I assume not because of time of day but rather being so far north. The cabin is still in sleep mode however not everyone is dosing.

Some distance further, near Andryushkino Russia, I observed the R2 window was open so I captured a shot of stunning desolation.

My picture taking window.

A couple more over Sakhalin island.

Meal service started as we were over Honshu island. I requested the egg dish. The tray also had fruit, sausages, and a potato dish. Warm bread was passed from the basket. I picked at it but wasn't terribly hungry. I also enjoyed some coffee and San Pellegrino.

A couple of shots as we are nearing Chiba and the greater Narita area.

With minimal vectoring we were cleared to land and greased the mains on 34L. The turn off the active was just about at north wing of terminal 1 and we had a short taxi to gate 15.
Some shots of 6302 resting before returning to DTW.

The transit security was a breeze and I was back airside in a matter of minutes. Just enough time for a quick taste of Japan before heading down to PVG.

Thank you for reading and happy flying.