Fender’s MIJ series is the famous example, but it is far from the only one. This guide lists the US guitar brands made in Japan, past and present, from EVH and Kramer to Music Man, G&L, Gretsch and Sadowsky, and which Japanese factory built them.
US Brands Made in Japan Quick Facts
- Still Japan-made: Fender MIJ, EVH MIJ Series Wolfgang, Kramer 1983 Baretta Reissue, Charvel and Jackson MJ Series
- Built by Fujigen: Music Man EX series, G&L Premium series, Heartfield
- 80s hard-rock models: Charvel and Jackson (Chushin Gakki), Washburn (Matsumoku)
- Japan-only lines: Schecter Japan, James Tyler Japan
- Ended: Sadowsky moved its Japanese production to Germany in 2020
Prefer to watch? This article is based on my own video below.
Still Made in Japan Today
Fender MIJ Series
Fender’s MIJ series is, of course, still Japan-made, continuing a story that began with Fender Japan in 1982.
EVH MIJ Series Wolfgang: With a Kill Switch
EVH’s Wolfgang also has a Japan-made version. The MIJ Series EVH Signature Wolfgang, launched in 2023, pairs a basswood body and maple top with EVH humbuckers, an EVH Floyd Rose with a D-Tuna and, like Eddie’s own guitars, a kill switch.
Kramer 1983 Baretta Reissue
Kramer revived the ’83 Baretta in Japan in 2023, as a made-in-Japan reissue of its classic single-humbucker hard-rock guitar.
Charvel and Jackson MJ Series
Charvel and Jackson brought Japanese production back with their MJ Series. The full story, including the confusing Grover Jackson and Jackson Stars names, is in the Japan-made Charvel and Jackson guide.
Epiphone Casino
Epiphone’s Casino was also built in Japan until recently.
Built by Fujigen
Fujigen, the factory behind Fender Japan, also built for several other US brands:
- Music Man: the Axis EX and StingRay EX were built in Japan.
- G&L: the Premium Series was Fujigen-built.
- Dean: used Fujigen around 2010.
- Heartfield: Fender’s own Japan-made sub-brand for hard-rock players, 1989 to 1993.
Heartfield deserves its own look: see the Heartfield guide.
The 1980s Hard-Rock Boom
The 1980s saw Japan building many hard-rock guitars as budget models for American brands.
- Charvel and Jackson: built by Chushin Gakki.
- Washburn: the Wing series and others were built by Matsumoku.
- Gretsch: began Terada-built production in the late ’80s.
Japan-Only Lines and High-End Builders
Schecter’s Japan line is a domestic series, with high-end models by ESP and affordable ones by Tokai.
Among high-end brands, James Tyler’s Japan line is built at the Aska factory, the workshop behind Momose. exotic’s high-end basses are Japan-made, and Sadowsky kept its Japan line until 2020, when it moved that production to Germany.
US Brands Made in Japan at a Glance
| Brand | Japan-made line | Built by / note |
|---|---|---|
| Fender | MIJ series | Today’s Japan-made Fender |
| EVH | MIJ Series Wolfgang (2023) | With a kill switch |
| Kramer | 1983 Baretta Reissue (2023) | Made in Japan |
| Charvel / Jackson | 80s and 90s models; MJ Series today | Chushin Gakki (original run) |
| Epiphone | Casino | Japan-made until recently |
| Music Man | Axis EX, StingRay EX | Fujigen |
| G&L | Premium Series | Fujigen |
| Dean | Around 2010 | Fujigen |
| Heartfield (Fender) | 1989 to 1993 | Mostly Fujigen |
| Washburn | Wing series and others | Matsumoku |
| Gretsch | From the late 1980s | Terada |
| Schecter | Japan domestic series | High end by ESP, affordable by Tokai |
| James Tyler | Japan line | Aska factory |
| Sadowsky | Japan line, until 2020 | Moved to Germany |
Final Thoughts
Once you start looking, the list keeps growing. Many American names you know have, at some point, trusted a Japanese factory with their guitars, and often with their best ones. That is a big part of why “made in Japan” means what it does to guitar players today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which American guitar brands are made in Japan?
Fender’s MIJ series, the EVH MIJ Series Wolfgang, the Kramer 1983 Baretta Reissue and the Charvel and Jackson MJ Series are Japan-made today. In the past, Music Man, G&L, Washburn, Gretsch, Dean and Sadowsky also had Japan-made lines.
Is there a Japan-made EVH Wolfgang?
Yes. The MIJ Series EVH Signature Wolfgang launched in 2023, with a kill switch and an EVH Floyd Rose with a D-Tuna.
Who built Music Man and G&L guitars in Japan?
Fujigen built the Music Man Axis EX and StingRay EX and the G&L Premium Series.
Who made Japanese Charvel and Jackson guitars?
Chushin Gakki built the original Japan-made Charvel and Jackson guitars.
Is Sadowsky still made in Japan?
No. Sadowsky moved its Japanese production to Germany in 2020.
What is Schecter Japan?
A domestic Japanese series, with high-end models built by ESP and affordable models by Tokai.
