Hi everyone,

Last time I flew LHR - FCO - HND, short connections with 2 checked bags in 2019 for 420GBP in economy.

I understand that there are many factors for the current high prices, such as demand and increased running costs of the route itself. But at the same time, fares to the US and other destinations even in East Asia seem to have reached pre-pandemic prices, if not even cheaper.
The cheapest I have ever seen London - Tokyo for June 2023 was 550GBP with 32 hours flights(forgot the exact connection/stop-over times) and now similar offers from other airlines go for north of 750GBP.

I have the following questions:
1. Do you think airfares to UK - Japan will drop to sub 600 that arent with 15 hours of stop-overs?
2. If yes or no, why do you think that's the case?

I want to note, I will be going with a friend of mine and he has a limited budget, so I have to go around him mostly. That being said, I do not feel ok paying 700+ GBP for a 30-hour flight either.

PS: I want to apologies if this is the wrong forum, please move it for me or let me know where I should post this. Thanks!