Nothing specific was done to Hatoyama. Angering the American leadership, even so remotely, is a taboo. Conversely, having a friend in U.S. President is a tremendous asset, even if it is George W. Bush. When Obama and Gates confronted Hatoyama a few times, most of our people became suddenly unhappy.

I am not sure about your friends, but Japanese newspapers are united that the current agreement is the "only option."  Current editors (and Washington correspondents) seem to have been brainwashed by the Beltway.

I will become a patissier, God willing.