As someone who has a decent grasp on Japanese culture, I think your take is too conspiratorial. The issue is simpler than this. Japan has an extremely hierarchi

As someone who has a decent grasp on Japanese culture, I think your take is too conspiratorial. The issue is simpler than this. Japan has an extremely hierarchical society and authority must be respected. This isn't a great combination, especially when combined with a severely aging population. Young people have very little chance to enter into politics or gain any traction at all. There is almost zero chance a 75 year old will vote for someone in their forties. Combine that with the natural tendency for some to a lot of corruption among politicians and it's just a perfect storm of stagnation, corruption and vested interests, there is absolutely no US involvement required.