Continuing on from http://gentleseas.blogspot.com.au/2018/04/f-35-inferior-to-5th-even-4-generation.html on the F-35s weaknesses.
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One issue less covered is the inability of the F-35 to, "supercruise" like F-22s (sustained cruising at supersonic speed without afterburner).
Wiki advises: “The [F-35’s F135 or F136 engine is] not designed to supercruise.[57] However, the F-35 can briefly fly at Mach 1.2 for 150 miles without the use of an afterburner.”
Japanese F-35s will probably need to travel supersonic to intercept Chinese jetfighters in many situations. In addition to the afterburner being used for takeoff Japanese F-35s will likely need to stay on afterburner during most long distance supersonic travel. From the Japanese home islands or from Okinawa supersonic flight may be essential for successful interception of Chinese jetfighters over many parts of the East China Sea including the "Senkakus".
Use of afterburner causes a large infrared signature, observable from Chinese satellites and high flying drones. Minimising heat signature is an important requirement of stealth.
Afterburning also uses up jetfuel quickly compared to aircraft with supercruise ability..
Fortunately China and Russia are also having trouble developing (or reverse engineering) supercruise capable jet engines for their stealth jets - see
russia/ (paysite) India dropping out of Russian PAK FA stealth project
and
Jet flight from Japanese home islands is a long way from Senkakus/Diaoyu dispute (Map courtesy Chinese Defence Ministry, EIA and Yonhap.)
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Pete