Low Obs said "turning down the Europeans has a higher-than-usual price tag for Japan."
Perhaps going with Europe would have a higher-than-usual price tag for Japan
One thing to consider for Japan in terms of price tag will be the potential for Europe to turn it's back on Japan, if Japan and China faced off.
There are still plenty of people in Australia who bitterly recal the attitude of France, Sweden, Switzerland and especially Britain (who we supposedly had a long and close relationship with) during the 1960's when they refused to supply ammunition, parts or support for Mirage, Pilatus Porter, and Canberra bombers in the RAAF and Australian Army due to our involvement in Vietnam.
Japan would be much more likely to have continuing support from USA rather than from Europe.
John