!!!

I normally got to NRT from London, but I've never paid more than about $800 (and that's at Xmas - granted I bought it over 6 months before) but I do get tix sometimes from NRT to the USA for my partner so I'm aware of the prices on offer. Your friend was robbed!

"A short drive (or even a flight) down to LA would have saved him thousands. - yevlesh2"

Is so true. Please tell your friend to NEVER purchase a fare like that until they've checked out the price from some of the major US hubs - LAX, San Jose, Las Vegas etc...
I'm sure there are more appropriate travel sites, but even this one can give you an idea of what to expect: www.globalpriceline.com.
Isn't there a low cost carrier (like SouthWest Airlines) that goes to SBA?
3 weeks is often a great time to get a cheap ticket. My condolences - what a rip off!!! Please don't let them use the same travel agent again.