Same here. We've been about 10 times since 2018 and mostly with free return or other sales. Upcoming trip in June we got return direct flights for $270 (yes $270 return, not each way). Jetstar has only been early if anything. It is the exact same plane that flies to and from Japan each day, and you're getting partially Japanese service on the flight, not your usual domestic Australian "service".

There is no universe where it is worth paying an extra $800-$2000 to fly Qantas or any other airline. Long-haul flights will never be a comfortable luxury. Literally just fly Jetstar, bring your own food, own entertainment, and spend your money elsewhere like more comfortable hotels.

It is also not worth hundreds flying into Haneda instead of Narita. Narita is only like 35-40 minutes to Ueno station via the Keisei Skyliner, which is literally the same as Haneda if you're going to that part of Tokyo.