Fender Japan Export Telecasters 2000 onwards

Please read intro first here Fender Japan Export
This is the second Telecaster page the First page is here Export Teles 1981 to 1990

The previous page took us up to the end of the nineties whereas officially documented imports were many in the 90s after that there were less. Some catalogued imports exist and some non catalogued also. In the catalogues models were usually designated special editions, which also included guitars made in other countries so identifying the Japanese ones requires a bit more care. Designations beginning with 26, 27 28 or 125 can be Japan but also China, Indonesia Korea etc. 25 will always be Japan.
Fender Japan continued to produce guitars until around 2015 when it all changed. The joint venture ceased and Fender themselves now produced guitars in Japan. They used mainly Dyna Gakki JD serial number and Terada JT serial numbers, there are also JFF serial numbers said to be Fujigen but I have been unable to find official confirmation of this.
I now have strong information from an interview with Allen Abbassi Director of Product Management at Fender that JFF does indeed refer to FujiGen. Thanks to ajb1965 on the strat forum for pointing out this article

Fender produced Domestic models but no longer specific Export models rather they exported some domestic models. The domestic only models however do seem to be "less domestic" in that they seem to be distributed in other far Eastern countries plus Australia and New Zealand. It may be that we should call them not for the west models.


The first models appearing as Special Editions in the front lines are the Aerodynes around 2004. I have many pages of information on this range start here Aerodyne Pages
These cover both Fender Japan Joint venture guitars and FMC guitars made in Japan.
The following are what I have found so far in no particular order and I will add to them as I can

Antigua Telecaster 2004

The ultimate Marmite guitar finish I for one really like it. Antigua guitars have been produced many times in many countries. This one was produced in 2004 only, the Crafted in Japan era. This run was only produced in that year and appears to be for the Export market only. It does not appear in any Domestic or Western Catalogues that I can find. Obviously a replica of the 1977 era Antigua Telecaster. Said to be built by Tokai, which is suggested by the serial number font.

Specs
Body Alder gloss finish
Neck 4 bolt Maple thin C no microtilt F stamped neckplate
Fretboard 1 piece Maple 21 Frets dot markers 7.25" radius
Headstock Small CBS Fender logo 2 Butterfly string trees
Tuners Vintage Style F stamped
Pickups Chrome covered at neck slanted black uncovered in bridge measurements Bridge: 5.25kO Neck: 6.14kO
Controls Knurled Chrome Standard Telecaster
Nut 1.63"
Hardware Chrome
Bridge 3 saddle chrome Tele bridge Ashtray cover
Pickguard 8 Hole laminated matching finish
Colours
Years available 2004 only
Weight 7lbs approx
Limited Run said to around 400

Antigua special runs appear a few times at later dates.

60s Custom Telecaster with Bigsby

My thanks to Jackson Beasley for the information on this he contacted Fender who provided him with the following:
The TL-62 was a Japan-exclusive model, and was never offered for sale in the US while in production. We do not have information on these guitars at Fender US like specs or detailed records. The '60s Custom Tele with Bigsby was offered for sale in the US in the early 2000s, and we do have specs for that. Here are those for you:
Model Name: ‘60s Custom Telecaster® with Bigsby
Model Number: 025-6800-(Color#)
Series: Classic Series
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple
Fingerboard: Rosewood (7.25” Radius/184 mm) Frets: 21
Nut: 1.650” (42 mm)
Hardware: Chrome
Machine Heads: Fender/Ping Vintage Style Tuning Machines
Bridge: Adjustable 6-Saddle Tele Bridge with Bigsby “F” Vibrato Tail-Piece
Pickguard: 3-Ply White
Pickups: 2 Vintage Style Tele Single-Coil Pickups
Controls Standard Tele
Colors: (500) 3-Color Sunburst, (509) Candy Apple Red,(Polyurethane Finish)
Strings: Fender Super 250R, Nickel Plated Steel, Gauges: (.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046),
Other Features: Bound Top & Back, Bigsby “F” Vibrato Tail-Piece, Dot Position Inlays
Source: Japan Accessories: None U.S. MSRP: $1,199.99
INTRODUCED: 7/2003 DISCONTINUED: 1/2004

There was an updated '60s Custom Tele with Bigsby that ran form 2005-2010. I've got those specs for you here:
Model Name: ‘60s Custom Telecaster® with Bigsby
Model Number: 025-6800-(Color #)
Series: Classic Series
Body: Alder
Neck: Maple, “C” Shape, (Gloss Urethane Finish)
Fingerboard: Rosewood, 7.25” Radius (184 mm) Frets: 21 Vintage Style Frets
Nut: 1.650” (42 mm)
Hardware: Chrome
Machine Heads: Fender®/Ping Vintage Style Tuning Machines
Bridge: 6-Saddle Adjustable Bridge with Fender Bigsby Vibrato Tailpiece
Pickguard: 3-Ply White
Controls standard Tele
Colors: (500) 3-Color Sunburst, (509) Candy Apple Red, (Urethane Finish)
Strings: Fender Super 250R, Nickel Plated Steel, Gauges: (.010, .013, .017, .026, .036, .046),
Other Features: Bound Top & Back, Bigsby “F” Vibrato Tail-Piece, Dot Position Inlays
Source: Japan Accessories: None U.S. MSRP: $1,530.00
INTRODUCED: 1/2005 DISCONTINUED: 1/2010

I suspect there is little difference between the two versions just more detail and a higher price on the second one.

There isn't an exact domestic TL62 match at this time there is a domestic Bigsby model which isn't a bound body and there is a TL62B-100TX which of course has Texas Spcial pickups. This seems to be a Bigsby version of the 60s Custom featured in the earlier page. This also looks like a Tokai made guitar. It is in the pricelist and catalogue for 2006.

50s Telecaster with Bigsby 025 6800

This is a 2005 2006 model a 50s style telecaster with a Bigsby.

Specs are a bit elusive on this one, here's what I have been able to find out

Body Ash
Neck Maple 1 piece C shape*
Fretboard Maple 21 Vintage Frets 7.25" radius
Headstock Small with 50s logo and 1 round string tree
Tuners Vintage style gotoh
Pickups 1 chrome covered Tel pickup at neck black coverless tele bridge pickup described as Vintage style Tele.
Controls 1 Vol 1 Tone 3 way switch
Nut 1.625"
Hardware Chrome
Bridge F logo Bigsby
Pickguard 5 hole black single ply
Colours Aged natural or blonde
Years available 2005-2006
Weight 9lbs 3 oz
*Seems also some available with a soft V/U neck not surprising as my 1996 TL52 Export Tele has a neck like that Appears first in the 2006 catalogue the domestic equivalent is however a Texas special model.

Those are the ones from the Fender Japan Joint Venture that I have found so far, there will be more I am sure. Just to be clear there are now no separate export models only domestic models that Fender chooses to export so many will be covered on other parts of this website. The FMC made in Japan ones are a little more difficult to track down as little printed information was produced. Relying on the website is fine but when a model goes out of production it goes from the website and is hard to track down and using the wayback machine is a bit hit and miss. Currently the Made in Japan Telecasters on offer as at December 2023 are the Hybrid II models including a Thinline
Earlier the Boxer HH continued to be offered in the west also the Hybrids and the Traditionals had an offering in the west although strangely the Heritage series didn't maybe it was too close to an AVRI. All these Japanese models are covered elsewhere on the site as are the various Aerodynes. The current (2023) model which needs covering here is the very good looking International colour model

Made in Japan Limited Edition International Colour Telecaster

The International Colour guitars were first launched in 1981 the 2023 version has only 4 colours.
There is Sienna Sunburst and Maui Blue with a Rosewood Board or Morocco Red and Monaco Yellow with Maple boards

Like many modern Japanese Fenders this model doesn't adhere to vintage specs it is a compromise.
Specs
Body Basswood Gloss Polyester finish
Neck Maple U shape Gloss Urethane Finish
Fretboard 21 Medium Jumbo Frets Rosewood or Maple depending on colour 9.5" radius
Headstock Standard Tele with Fender Telecaster serial no. and Made in Japan on Front 2 Butterfly string trees
Tuners Fender Vintage F stamped
Pickups 1 chrome covered at neck slanted black in bridge described as Vintage Tele likely ceramics
Controls Knurled Chrome 1 Vol 1 Tone 3 way switch
Nut Bone 1.65"
Hardware Nickel Chrome
Bridge 3-Saddle Vintage-Style Strings-Through-Body Tele with Chrome Barrel Saddles
Pickguard 3 ply eggshell

Fender Japan Offset Telecaster

This slightly strange beast launched in 2021 is like a cross between a Telecaster and a Jazzmaster it is said to be from a Custom Shop idea.
Specs
Body Ash with Gloss Urethane finish
Neck Maple U shape Gloss Urethane Finish
Fretboard Maple 21 Narrow Tall Frets 9.5" radius
Headstock see pictures
Tuners Vintage style
Pickups 2 vintage style tele probably ceramic Chrome covered at neck slanted black in bridge
Controls Knurled chrome standard Tele 1 Vol 1 Tone 3 way
Nut Bone 1.65"
Hardware Nickel Chrome
Bridge 3-Saddle Vintage Style Tele® with Threaded Steel Saddles
Pickguard Single ply 8 hole
Colours Fiesta Red or Butterscotch Blonde
Years available 2021
Made by Dyna Gakki

Fender Japan Offset Mahogany Telecaster

A variation on the above earlier model though around 2018.
Specs
Body Mahogany with Gloss polyester finish
Neck Mahogany U shape Gloss polyester finish
Fretboard Rosewood 21 Medium Frets 10" radius
Headstock see pictures
Tuners Vintage style
Pickups 2 vintage style Soapbar at neck slanted black single coil in bridge
Controls Knurled chrome standard Tele 1 Vol 1 Tone 3 way
Nut Bone 1.65"
Hardware Nickel Chrome
Bridge 3-Saddle Vintage Style Tele with Threaded Steel Saddles
Pickguard 3 ply 8 hole
Colours Natural
Years available 2018
Again Dyna Gakki

Fender JV Modified Telecasters

No doubt to cash in on the reputation of the 80s JVs Fender launched the JV Modified series, in 2022. There are two Telecasters I can find a 60s Custom and a 50s model. They have been very well received and reviews are good but the emphasis should be on modified rather than JV they are far from Vintage copies and are made by FujiGen.

JV Modified 50s Telecaster
Specs
Body Basswood with Gloss Urethane finish
Neck Maple thick soft V shape Satin Urethane with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
JV Serial number on Neck plate Made in Japan on Neck Heel
Fretboard Maple 21 Medium Jumbo Frets 9.5" radius
Headstock see pictures
Tuners Vintage style locking
Pickups 2 vintage style tele probably ceramic Chrome covered at neck slanted black in bridge
Controls Knurled chrome 1 Volume 1 Tone with 4 way switch and Push pull on tone*
Nut Bone 1.65"
Hardware Nickel Chrome
Bridge 3-Saddle Vintage Style Tele with Barrel Brass Saddles
Pickguard Single ply 5 hole Gold Anodised Aluminium
Colours White Blonde only
Years available 2022 onwards
* The 4 way allows for both pickups to be on in series or in parallel the push pull puts them out of phase

JV Modified 60s Telecaster Custom
Body Basswood double bound with Gloss Urethane finish
Neck Maple thick soft V shape Satin Urethane with Gloss Urethane Headstock Face
JV Serial number on Neck plate Made in Japan on Neck Heel
Fretboard Rosewood 21 Medium Jumbo Frets 9.5" radius
Headstock see pictures
Tuners Vintage style locking
Pickups 2 vintage style tele probably ceramic Chrome covered at neck slanted black in bridge
Controls Knurled chrome 1 Volume 1 Tone with 4 way switch and Push pull on tone*
Nut Bone 1.65"
Hardware Nickel Chrome
Bridge 3-Saddle Vintage Style Tele with Barrel Brass Saddles
Pickguard 3 ply parchment 8 hole
Colours Firemist gold only
Years available 2022 onwards
* The 4 way allows for both pickups to be on in series or in parallel the push pull puts them out of phase

Evangelion Asuka LE Telecaster 2020

This is a collaboration designed to exactly match the look of the Evangelion franchise character, Soryu Asuka Langley. Evidently a highly popular Japanese Film, Manga and other media character. It is made by Dyna Gakki and is cosmetically a very different Telecaster.
Some blurb from Fender
The Fender x ASUKA Telecaster project started in 2013, and the final result is truly striking. The Evangelion Asuka Telecaster® is embedded with various aspects of the Soryu Asuka Langley character and the essence of the Evangelion series. The body colour is based on the graduation of Asuka's red suit, and the body back has staggered black parallel lines. The Synthetic Red Bone string nut evokes Asuka's headdress, while the 12th fret features a Unit 2 fretboard inlay; every part of the guitar’s look links back to Asuka’s world. Even the pickguard has a unique tri-colour Asuka aesthetic. Another unique feature is the use of Alumitone pickups - a Humbucker in the Bridge position and Single-Coil in the neck. With a mechanical look, these aluminium tone pickups have a tight low end, even under heavy distortion, with outstanding clarity. The guitar’s hardware has a unified matte black finish, while the neck plate is engraved with the "NERV" logo and the guitar’s build number. The guitar comes with an original certificate of authenticity featuring a graphic of Asuka in the symbolic Plugsuit holding the Telecaster. Specially drawn by Kazuya Tsurumaki - director of the "Rebuild of Evangelion" series - the graphic is, itself, collectible. The guitar is supplied in an ABS Moulded hard case, personalised with the "NERV" logo.
Not sure how many were made in total but said to be only 30 exported to Europe, Africa and the Middle East, presumably similar numbers to other regions and a lot in Japan they are numbered and I have seen serial numbers in the 500s
Specs
Asuka Telecaster Rosewood Fingerboard, Asuka Red
MODEL 5600200 colour 899
BODY Alder Gloss Polyester finish
NECK Maple U shape Gloss Urethane finish
FINGERBOARD Rosewood 22 narrow tall frets 9.5" radius
NUT Synthetic Red Bone 1.650" (42 mm)
POSITION INLAYS None
BRIDGE PICKUP Alumitone Humbucker NECK PICKUP Alumitone Single-Coil
CONTROLS Black Knurled Flat top on Black plate Master Volume, Master Tone 3 way
BRIDGE 6-Saddle String-Through-Body Hardtail With Block Saddles
HARDWARE Satin Black
TUNERS Deluxe Cast/Sealed Locking
PICKGUARD 1-ply Asuka Original
FEATURES Deluxe shape neckplate with number etc and unique 12th Fret marker see pictures