Fender debuts limited-run Sakuraburst MIJ Hybrid II Stratocaster – and this one’s actually available outside of Japan By Michael Astley-Brown published 30 May 23 Previously a Japan-only exclusive, could the arrival of this fresh ’burst herald a change in tack from Fender?
Fender Japan doubles down on its vintage hot streak with racing stripe-equipped Traditional ‘60s Competition Stripe collection By Matt Owen published 28 March 23 Olympic White Stratocasters, Telecasters, Jazzmasters, Mustangs and Precision Basses make up the drop, which pairs 1960s aesthetics with modern Japanese craftsmanship – and a neat Competition-style body stripe
Fender Japan trades wild builds for classy vibes with stylish reverse headstock-equipped Traditional Stratocaster By Matt Owen published 20 March 23 The latest limited-edition run from the Big F's Japanese factory will be available in the flagship Fender store in Japan, and features a narrower nut which “makes it easy for Japanese players to play”
Fender Japan launches the Elemental Series – high-spec, mid-priced models that will drive modern players wild By Michael Astley-Brown published 16 December 22 With striking satin finishes, new pickguard shapes and high-performance spec sheets, these stunning guitars and basses are arguably 2022’s most exciting Fender guitars – so why are they only available in Japan?
Fender Japan revives 3 of its top-selling – and best-looking – models of recent times in new limited-edition run By Matt Owen published 2 December 22 A Hybrid II Telecaster and Stratocaster, as well as arguably the tastiest Traditional Jazzmaster of the year, headline Fender Japan's latest sensational drop
Fender Japan takes “heavy relic” to new heights with Michiya Haruhata’s new Masterbuilt signature Stratocaster By Matt Owen published 9 November 22 The pop-rock guitar star takes a traditional turn with his latest signature model, which was Masterbuilt by Fender's Jason Smith
Fender Japan harks back to summer with breezy, ultra-limited Art Canvas Esquire models By Matt Owen published 25 October 22 Designed by renowned City Pop artist Hiroshi Nagai, the two stripped-back six-strings will be limited to only 30 units apiece
Fender Japan does it again with two striking signature Stratocasters for alt-rock star Ken By Matt Owen last updated 16 September 22 The standard Experiment #1 and Custom Shop Paisley Fantasy represent two ends of the aesthetic spectrum, offering both clean contemporary visuals and zany complex artwork
Fender Japan revives some of the brand’s boldest-looking Stratocasters with the Limited International Color series By Matt Owen published 2 September 22 Maui Blue, Morocco Red and Monaco Yellow headline the drop, which was created using the same color templates and product drawings that informed the original 1980s range
Fender Japan launches sensationally styled Scandal signature Stratocaster and Telecaster models By Matt Owen published 26 August 22 Mami Sasazaki and Haruna Ono's contemporary electrics are joined by Tomomi Ogawa's traditional-looking bass, designed to celebrate Scandal's 15-year partnership with Fender
40 Years of Squier: how Fender’s budget brand conquered the world By Tony Bacon published 9 August 22 Four decades on, we look back at the birth of Squier and Fender JV, and why Fender decided to go big in Japan...
The magic of Fender Japan: how MIJ custom finishes and unorthodox builds dug a rabbit hole for collectors By Jamie Dickson published 2 August 22 Keith Anderson makes his livelihood bringing rare Fender Japan electrics into the UK and he’s seen thousands over the years. Here he explains the appeal
Fender Japan releases gloss black limited-run 60s Jazzmaster HH with Wide Range CuNiFe humbuckers By Matt Parker published 25 July 22 Please meet the latest highly-desirable, unobtainable object from Fender’s Japanese lineup
Fender Japan unveils eye-catching Blue Paisley and Blue Flower Acoustasonic Telecasters By Matt Owen published 30 June 22 Fender's game-changing hybrid acoustic-electric design gets a psychedelic makeover
Fender Japan’s wild Hybrid II HSS Stratocaster equips the Strat with a reverse Telecaster headstock By Matt Owen published 20 May 22 The limited-edition offering is quite something, boasting a Strat body, flipped Tele headstock, an HSS configuration and a gorgeous Ocean Turquoise Metallic colorway
Fender Japan unveils Japan Junior Collection of 24”-scale Stratocaster, Telecaster and Jazzmaster models By Matt Owen published 31 March 22 The streamlined six-strings trim down the scale but retain a 42mm nut width, and come equipped with Japan Junior Modified single-coils and wealth of satin colorways
Fender Japan revives and revamps the bonkers Stratocaster-Telecaster hybrid model, the Fender ‘51 By Matt Owen published 19 November 21 The eye-catching six-string sports most of the specs seen on a conventional Telecaster, though houses them on the unmistakable double-cut body of a Stratocaster
Fender unveils Made In Japan Traditional 60s Jazzmaster with Wide-Range CuNiFe humbuckers By Matt Parker published 27 October 21 The latest Made In Japan guitar represents another appealing combo that, sadly, is not set for distribution outside of the country
Fender Japan debuts limited-edition Thinline Telecaster models with literal 'F'-holes By Matt Owen published 28 September 21 The eye-catching offerings – which feature the company's iconic spaghetti logo for an f-hole – continue Fender Japan's distinctive run of electrics
Fender Japan resurrects the Squier Katana for Hama Okamoto’s super-jagged signature bass By Matt Owen published 17 September 21 The brand has once again dived into the history books for its latest creation and revived the short-lived Katana model, which originally emerged in 1985