Ping
The Japanese are very capable and ultimately will build a very decent stealth aircraft if they have to.
Folks need to understand that this is more of a technology demonstrator than anything else. This particular aircraft is mean to test the airframe, avionics, and propulsion mainly.
The weapons, newer sensors, etc. will probably not be included or developed into this aircraft.
If they like it, and if they decide they need to proceed, they will move from this to a true prototype of a full-up combat aircraft.
As it is, this aircraft is scheduled to take its first flight next month, and then be handed over to their military for testing and evaluation along the lines I described sometime this spring.
Here’s a link to a video of it showing it a little more close up.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FNDzz8UV7FY
I am looking forward to its first flight.