If you missed the Tokyo fares (they're still available!), or just prefer to fly into a non-Tokyo airport, Osaka has you sorted. It's also a great base for day trips to Hiroshima, Kobe, …
First it was Qantas in the $1200s, followed by China Southern from $1055. And now, with codeshare partners Japan Airlines and Malaysia Airlines, you can fly return to Tokyo from $934! Airlines: …
Japan Airlines is one of the best in the world, and they have solid prices to Japan. Alas, they don't fly direct from NZ, so for some routes you're codesharing/connecting first in KL or …