In 2019, Fender Japan launched the Made in Japan Modern Series, a lineup designed to meet the needs of contemporary players while staying true to Fender’s renowned craftsmanship.
The lineup included seven new models based on classic Stratocaster, Jazzmaster, Telecaster, and Jazz Bass designs, each featuring its own sleek details that made it a standout series.

In an interview with Guitar World in August 2025, Fender Asia-Pacific President Edward ‘Bud’ Cole discussed Fender Japan’s approach to guitar design. He emphasized the Japan team’s freedom to create guitars with a fresh perspective, blending traditional Fender aesthetics with modern innovations. This philosophy likely influenced the development of the Modern Series.​​

The motto “Fly Beyond,” introduced with the new line, was more than just a slogan—it was a promise that the Made in Japan Modern Series would venture into new territory for Fender, blending its heritage with modern demands for tone, versatility, and innovative craftsmanship.
In their pursuit to express “newness and beauty” in a simple yet direct way, the Japanese Development Team went through many trials and naturally arrived at the streamlined, curved elegance found in sports cars. 

By adopting a body with flowing, aerodynamic lines that evoke a sense of speed and adding sharp, defining binding, they achieved a stylish look unlike anything before.

MIJ Modern Series ad highlighting the sleek body design

Of course, the goal wasn’t simply to chase novelty. To preserve the traditional Fender character, the team paid attention to details—such as using beige-colored binding. The result was a new body shape that feels both modern and timeless.
At first glance, the appearance of the Modern Stratocasters resembled that of the Aerodyne. Each guitar featured finely carved and bound tops, adding an unexpected touch of elegance and giving Fender guitars a rare sense of refined luxury.

The body contours, including a refined heel and back, along with the asymmetrical 4-bolt neck plate, enhanced comfort and made accessing the higher frets effortless.
The necks featured a compound radius, changing from 9.5” at the nut to 14” at the higher frets, allowing comfortable chord playing near the nut while making soloing easier up the neck.
Along with this, the neck shape evolved from a “C” at the nut to a “D” higher up, giving a secure and comfortable grip. 
Locking tuners kept tuning stable and made string changes quick. 

When considering the modern heavy and loud scene—a key concept behind the Made in Japan Modern Series—a powerful, humbucker-driven sound is essential. For that reason, Fender deliberately placed HH models at the core of the series. Stratocaster, Telecaster, and Jazzmaster guitars with streamlined body contours and dual humbuckers projected a sense of strength distinct from traditional Fender designs.
Each HH model was equipped with Modern Modified Humbucking Pickups Type I, carefully selected from countless prototypes. These pickups featured AlNiCo 5 magnets and were mounted directly onto the body, producing a tighter, more focused tone.

The HH model featured no pickguard, giving it a distinctive, slightly unconventional look that set it apart from typical Fender designs.
In addition to the HH model, Fender also released HSS and SSS Modern Stratocasters, equipped with Fourth-Generation Noiseless Pickups, delivering classic Fender sounds free of hum. 

MIJ Modern Stratocaster

MIJ Modern Stratocaster HSS

Antonio Calvosa