If it wasn't Jpop, he'd probably have said, "No, it's someone else but I won't say who", as you'd assume he'd want to distance himself from any mess if there isn't actually a connection.
Is the game delayed because Jpop is still doodlng, changing the design, and creating things that can't work?
I think the danger hiring him is that people wouldn't want to lay down any cash until it's shipping - and working!