Why is the F-2 never mentioned?

I always enjoy the debates regarding the latest fighters…..”the f-22 is too expensive,” “the Rafale can totally out maneuver the f-18,” “the f-18e/f is a dog,” “the f-14 is unreliable,” etc, etc. With that in mind, I was wondering why no one ever mentions the Mitsubishi F-2 among the elite fighters.

The F-2 seems to me to be a much better update of the F-16 than the E/F was of the F-18. The F-2 is almost as big as an F-15, yet retains the maneuverability of an F-16 and has modern electronics (including AESA). It has, or should have, the famous Japanese quality of workmanship. It’s bigger than a Gripen, and is almost as big as a EF Typhoon or Rafale. I would think the F-2 would be a formidable enemy for any aggressive Chinese fighter.

I would welcome any comments regarding the F-2.