Sort of, the reason the E/F are called Hornets is more for political reasons to secure funding for a new aircraft by making it look like an upgrade, consequently politicians are likley to think it would be cheaper than an all new aircraft. However the changes between the C-E are so great that in truth they are completely different aircraft that look somewhat simillar at first glance. The F-2 is slightly larger than the F-16, obvious external differences being the wing planform and the canopy.
I did not know that nor ever heard of an "F-2", untill I had watched a video just now on the F-16/F-2. Based on what I understand, the Japanese just improved the F-16 with improvised upgrades to their likings & interest. But is it not still an F-16? The F/A-18A-D. . . . E/F are still Hornets, ain't they? This's confusing stuff, now!
I know these pilots are Japanese! I'm talking bout the U.S. Military Fighter jets that they now have in their Japanese squadrens. They are U.S Air Force "F-16 Falcons" & U.S. Air Force "F-15 Eagles"!!!