To complicate matters there are the serial numbers used on the “Standard” models made from 1997 just for the Japanese market, like the ST-38. Some CIJ serial numbers overlap the MIJ ones, so that to distinguish them it is essential to see which decal is applied. The first series of the Japanese Stratocasters is that called “JV”, and it is surrounded by an aura of magic: there are many guitarists who, after having tried them, have praised their construction quality and sound. The serial number of the Japanese guitars composed by one or two letters followed by some numbers.

After 2007 Fender used again the “Made in Japan” decal, though for a few years both were printed. Please note that fender serial numbers tend to overlap by at least a year, and thereby the date of your guitar can only be approximated. This was a running change, and both Made in Japan and Crafted in Japan decals appear on instruments from 20. The Fender serial number decoder currently supports all documented MIA, MIJ, MIM, MIK and MII formats with the exception of Custom Shop, Relic and Reissue instruments. This change happened by chance concurrently with the gradual shift of production from Fujigen factory to Tokai (only few months) and Dyna Gakki. 2007 was another transitional year for Japanese-made Fender instruments, with the return to the Made in Japan country-of-origin identifier on the serial number decal.

Until 1997 the serial number of these guitars was paired with the 'Made in Japan' decal (period called MIJ Era) between 19 Fender has replaced this decal with the 'Crafted in Japan' one, paving the way for the CIJ Era (some CIJs, however, appeared already in 1995). Checking the date range can be done by removing the neck of the guitar and checking the butt end of the neck heel for a stamped or written date (See picture for an example). The serial number of the Japanese Stratocasters is usually marked on the back of the neck, at the junction with the body of the guitar in some cases, however, it is possible to find it on the headstock or on the neck-plate, as in the case of the 'JV', 'SQ' and 'A' serial numbers. The left image features a non-branded headstock.

Fender serial number lookup japan