so when do they sneak the F-35s aboard *lol*
Hangers and lifts. Check those for clearance.
Cite sources? My understanding was that dimensionally the safety limits are not adequate on these ships for the F-35 (It's a flying blowtorch.), but I'm always open to better information.
it being a flying blowtorch has very little to do with hangar and elevator size
izumo hangar height: 22ft.
F-35 height: 14.2 ft
takeoff weight is close to that of an CH-47 or an Osprey, aircraft it seems likely to have designed the ship around. with the side elevator, it should be no problem to lower an aircraft that size into the hangar as well.
so, the only real factor why this vessel would not be able to take the F-35B (in theory, that is) is indeed the blowtorch factor: can it take the concentrated heated blast from the engine. the only ones who can answer that question are the people who actually build the thing, because I doubt that information will be made public before they decide to actually put some F-35B on board.