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FUJIGEN

FUJIGEN (フジゲン), officially known as Fujigen Gakki Co., Ltd., is a manufacturer specializing in electric guitars and basses, founded in May 1960 in with an initial capital of one million yen by Yutaka Mimura and Yuichiro Yokouchi. Based in Matsumoto, the company began producing classical guitars before shifting to electric models in October 1962 to meet growing international demand, particularly from the . Over the decades, FUJIGEN has become a global leader in guitar production, achieving the world's highest output of 14,000 electric guitars per month in April 1983 and introducing innovations like the first for guitar manufacturing in mid-1981. The company's expertise stems from its extensive experience as an (OEM), crafting instruments for renowned brands including , (from 1981 to 1996), , Greco, and , which helped establish its reputation for precision craftsmanship and wood treatment techniques; it continues OEM production for brands like as of 2025. In 1977, FUJIGEN collaborated with in a to develop the world's first , the GR-500, marking a milestone in musical technology integration. By 1989, the company rebranded to FUJIGEN and expanded its facilities, including a second factory in Shiojiri established around 1992, while also producing other instruments like mandolins, banjos, and traditional Japanese drums. In May 2009, FUJIGEN launched its own premium brand, FGN (Fujigen New), targeting overseas markets with original designs emphasizing unparalleled precision and playability, such as the series, which draws on the company's long manufacturing heritage. As of 2025, operating from its head office and factories in , FUJIGEN continues to innovate with new models and exhibitions, earning recognition like the most valuable company prize in November 2007, and maintains custom shops in Tokyo's and Daikanyama districts to serve professional musicians. Its legacy underscores Japan's post-war rise in the global , blending traditional luthiery with advanced production methods.

Overview

Company Profile

Fujigen was founded in May 1960 in Prefecture, Japan, by Tomi Murayama and Yuichiro Yokouchi through the acquisition of a violin workshop and a joint capital investment of one million yen. Originally named Fuji Gengakki Seizō Co., Ltd. (Fuji Stringed Instrument Manufacturing), the company initially focused on producing and classical guitars, adapting a former cowshed into its first facility with a starting of 10. This establishment marked the beginning of Fujigen's emphasis on precision craftsmanship in stringed instruments. In April 1989, the company rebranded to FUJIGEN Inc., with the name inspired by , reflecting aspirations of enduring quality and prominence in manufacturing. Today, FUJIGEN operates three factories in —located in Matsumoto City, Omachi, and Shiojiri City—dedicated to high-volume production of stringed instruments, including electric guitars, basses, and ukuleles. At its peak in 1983, the company's production capacity reached up to 14,000 electric guitars per month, underscoring its scale while maintaining a focus on meticulous handcrafting; the employee base stood at approximately 300 as of the early , with around 170 in the guitar division. FUJIGEN's core business centers on original equipment manufacturing (OEM) for global brands, leveraging over six decades of expertise, while it launched its own brand, FGN (Fujigen New), in May 2009 to offer premium instruments directly to consumers. The company has historically partnered with major brands such as and for production.

Role in the Music Industry

Fujigen has earned a reputation as one of Japan's premier guitar manufacturing companies, built on over five decades of original equipment manufacturing (OEM) for globally renowned brands such as , , and . This expertise in producing high-quality electric guitars and basses has positioned the company as a cornerstone of instrument craftsmanship, with its facilities achieving peak monthly outputs of up to 14,000 units in the 1980s, establishing world-leading production capacity at the time. During the Japanese guitar boom of the and , Fujigen played a pivotal role in democratizing access to premium instruments by enabling the mass production of affordable, high-fidelity guitars for international markets, particularly . This era saw the company transition from classical guitars to electric models, capitalizing on surging global demand sparked by cultural influences like ' tours, which helped sustain Japan's position in the worldwide music instrument trade amid economic challenges that eliminated many competitors. As the original manufacturer in these collaborations, Fujigen inscribes its name inside the instruments, ensuring and while supporting partner brands' growth. Notably, its OEM partnership with beginning in facilitated the rapid scaling of Made in Japan (MIJ) production lines, including the acclaimed JV series that replicated vintage American designs with superior consistency and materials, bolstering 's resurgence during a period of domestic manufacturing constraints. Today, Fujigen maintains a significant global footprint, exporting instruments to markets worldwide through its FGN brand and ongoing OEM agreements, thereby continuing to influence the accessibility and quality standards of electric guitars and basses across numerous countries.

History

Founding and Early Development (1960-1969)

Fujigen Gakki was founded in May 1960 through a joint investment by Yutaka Mimura, a shopkeeper from Osaka, and Yuichiro Yokouchi, a local dairy farmer in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, who contributed by selling three cows to help fund the venture. Mimura acquired a workshop affiliated with the Suzuki Violin Company, adapting the former cowshed into the company's initial factory with a starting capital of one million yen and a staff of ten. This marked the establishment of Fuji Gengakki Seizō (Fuji Stringed Instrument Manufacturing), focused on small-scale production for the domestic market. From the outset, Fujigen emphasized stringed instrument manufacturing, beginning with trial production of in before quickly shifting to classical guitars, leveraging basic craftsmanship techniques adapted from traditional violin making. In May 1961, the company opened a new factory in Matsumoto City's Chikuma area to ramp up output of high-grade classical guitars, reflecting growing demand in Japan's musical scene. These early operations remained modest, prioritizing quality wood selection and hand-assembly methods inherited from violin workshops to build a foundation in acoustic instruments. A pivotal technological advancement came in the early 1960s when Toshizumi Tezuka, an electrician who collaborated closely with the Yokouchi family while installing lighting in the original factory, developed Fujigen's first pickups. This innovation enabled the launch of production in October 1962, transitioning the company from purely acoustic instruments and aligning with emerging trends in amplified music. The 1965 band boom in further accelerated demand for these electrics, prompting factory expansions, including a new facility in Matsumoto's Hirata area in July 1966 to support in-house manufacturing. These developments initiated long-term partnerships with domestic brands in the mid-1960s.

Expansion into OEM Production (1970-1989)

During the , Fujigen significantly expanded its OEM production to capitalize on the growing global demand for electric guitars and basses, building on its established subcontracting relationships with major Japanese distributors. The company increased its output, manufacturing instruments for under the brand, CSL for the Antoria line, Kanda Shokai for Greco models, and , among others. This period marked a shift toward higher-volume production, with Fujigen achieving monthly outputs of up to 14,000 electric guitars by 1983, establishing it as the world's largest guitar manufacturer at the time. Additionally, Fujigen began producing for Japan in the late 1970s and 1980s, creating high-quality replicas of classic models to meet international export needs. A pivotal development occurred in when Fujigen entered a with Co., Ltd., a involving USA, Yamano Music, Kanda Shokai, and Fujigen itself. This collaboration led to the production of authentic designs, including Stratocasters, Telecasters, and Precision Basses, initially under the JV () series from to 1984, followed by the E-series starting in 1984. These Made in Japan (MIJ) instruments quickly gained a reputation for superior craftsmanship and playability, contributing to the enduring prestige of the MIJ line. Fujigen's expertise in wood treatment, particularly for tonewoods like and , played a key role in achieving consistent tonal quality across high-volume runs, leveraging proprietary drying and seasoning techniques developed over years of production. By the mid-1980s, Fujigen had optimized its operations, with approximately 80% of production allocated to overseas markets by , reflecting the company's adaptation to global trade dynamics. Innovations such as the introduction of the world's first for in 1981 and in-house pickup production later that year further enhanced efficiency and during this expansion phase. The decade culminated in April 1989 with the company's rebranding from Fuji Gen Gakki to FUJIGEN Co., Ltd., symbolizing its evolution into a leading international OEM entity while maintaining its focus on precision instrument manufacturing.

Modern Developments and Own Branding (1990-Present)

In the 1990s, Fujigen diversified its operations beyond musical instruments, establishing Sunwood Co., Ltd. in 1990 and reorganizing into Music Instruments (M.I.) and Car Audio (C.A.) divisions by April 1997 to include production of wooden car dashboards for and other automotive components, while sustaining its core focus on . This expansion also encompassed music boxes in 1999 and Japanese drums under the "Ryu-sho" line in 2001, alongside the creation of Fujigen Hirooka Co., Ltd. in 1991 for specialized painting and finishing processes. The company marked a pivotal shift toward independence with the launch of the FGN brand in May 2009, targeting overseas markets through channels that highlighted its "unparalleled " in craftsmanship derived from decades of OEM expertise. This initiative included opening custom houses in Tokyo's district in 2001 and in 2005, followed by an online shop in July 2006 to facilitate global sales and personalized orders. As of 2025, Fujigen continues its longstanding OEM production for key clients, including —ongoing since the 1970s, including high-end Prestige (since 1997) and J.Custom models—Greco for premium replicas, for specialized designs, History Guitars primarily for the Japanese market, and select models following the partnership's inception in 1982. These relationships underscore Fujigen's role as a preferred manufacturer for precision-engineered instruments. Recent innovations emphasize custom orders through dedicated Tokyo facilities, enabling tailored specifications for musicians worldwide, with production scaling to approximately 3,000 guitars per month by 2023. The company has expanded globally via a worldwide distribution network for FGN products, supporting sales in multiple international markets. Post-2010, Fujigen adapted to evolving market dynamics by enhancing digital sales platforms and responding to rising boutique demand, prioritizing high-grade, customizable instruments over to appeal to discerning players and professional users. In 2025, Fujigen released the FGN 2025 series and exhibited at NAMM 2025, continuing to expand its global presence. This strategic focus has solidified FGN's reputation for quality amid shifts toward online commerce and personalized guitar offerings.

Products

Electric Guitars and Basses

Fujigen has been a prominent manufacturer of electric guitars and basses since the 1960s, initially focusing on (OEM) production for international brands before expanding into its own FGN-branded lines. The company produced Stratocaster-style guitars for from 1982 to 1997, earning acclaim for their quality construction and playability, which contributed to the reputation of Made in (MIJ) instruments during that era. Similarly, Fujigen crafted Les Paul-style copies for Greco in the 1970s and models in the mid-2000s, featuring set-neck designs with bodies and tops that closely replicated classic specifications while incorporating Japanese precision engineering. For basses, Fujigen has manufactured Precision and models for and , often including contoured bodies for ergonomic comfort and options for active electronics to enhance tonal versatility and output levels. As of 2024, Fujigen continues OEM production for brands including , Greco, and . Under the FGN brand, Fujigen offers original series such as the and lines, which blend aesthetics with modern innovations. The series, positioned as a range, includes models like the and with bolt-on or set-neck constructions, roasted necks for stability, and the proprietary Circle Fretting System (CFS) that arcs frets slightly for improved intonation and sustain across the fretboard. These guitars emphasize high-fret access through the heel cutaway design, allowing seamless play up to the 24th fret, and often feature compound radius fingerboards for enhanced bending and speed. In 2024–2025, FGN introduced updated models in the series and exhibited new designs at NAMM 2025. The series draws from traditional designs, such as the (Telecaster-inspired) and Single Cut ( Paul-inspired) models, utilizing or bodies with necks and fingerboards to deliver warm, resonant tones suitable for rock and genres. Custom pickups, developed in-house since Fujigen's early years in the , are integrated into many FGN models to provide balanced output and clarity. In the bass category, FGN's offerings include the Mighty Jazz and Mighty Power series, which reinterpret Fender Precision and bass designs with solid or bodies, active electronics in select variants for boosted low-end response, and ergonomic contours for extended playing sessions. The Neo Classic Bass line provides passive options with maple necks and rosewood fingerboards, prioritizing vintage-inspired tones for gigging musicians. Since the 2010s, FGN has introduced hollow body and semi-acoustic models in the Masterfield series, targeted at and players, featuring hand-built laminated maple bodies, set-in necks, and f-hole designs that balance acoustic resonance with electric amplification. The majority of Fujigen's production volume remains dedicated to electric guitars and basses, with a strong emphasis on solid-body construction to meet both OEM demands and direct-market needs, historically peaking at around 14,000 units per month in the .

Acoustic and Other Instruments

Fujigen's involvement in acoustic instrument production dates to its establishment in , when the company initially emphasized classical guitars featuring strings. These early efforts laid the groundwork for OEM production, supplying -string classical models and dreadnought-style acoustic guitars to brands such as and Greco starting in the mid-. production marked Fujigen's original specialty upon its inception, utilizing traditional methods to shape bodies from select tonewoods, with the process evolving from handcrafted assembly in the company's Matsumoto facilities. While the focus shifted toward guitars in the early , manufacturing persisted in smaller-scale operations, benefiting from the firm's expertise in resonant wood preparation. Beyond guitars and violins, Fujigen has produced other stringed instruments on a sporadic basis for OEM clients, including flat mandolins under labels like in the 1970s, characterized by compact bodies suited for styles. Ukuleles form another niche, with the company's Pupukea series offering soprano-sized models crafted from bodies and necks paired with fingerboards for balanced tone and playability. Under the FGN brand, launched in 2009, Fujigen offers limited production, featuring steel-string models such as the AG1 series with construction and innovative heelless joints that enhance upper-fret access and . These modern acoustics incorporate advanced bracing patterns to optimize sustain and , drawing on proprietary wood-drying techniques—such as exposure to during seasoning—to select and refine tonewoods like and aged for superior acoustic qualities. This acoustic segment, though comprising a minor portion of output compared to electric instruments, remains foundational to Fujigen's reputation for meticulous selection and craftsmanship, honed since the firm's origins.

Manufacturing

Facilities and Operations

Fujigen maintains three primary factories in , , with the head office and original production site located in Matsumoto City, established in 1960 through a joint capital investment of one million yen by founders Yutaka Mimura and Yuichiro Yokouchi. The Omachi factory, situated in the Matsumoto area, specializes in timber seasoning and preparation using advanced 5-axis CNC routers, while the Hirooka factory in Shiojiri handles painting, assembly, and finishing processes. An affiliated facility in supports additional wood and paint preparation. Operations integrate automated machinery with manual oversight, featuring CNC routers—pioneered by Fujigen in 1981 as the world's first for guitar production—alongside dedicated hand-finishing stations to ensure precision in body shaping and assembly workflows. The company's production capacity reached a peak of 14,000 units per month in 1983, establishing it as a global leader, though as of 2023 output is approximately 3,000 electric guitars monthly, exceeding 36,000 units annually. This volume is predominantly allocated to OEM contracts for brands such as Prestige models, Epiphone, G&L, and select custom orders, comprising the majority of output, with the balance devoted to Fujigen's own FGN brand. Sustainability initiatives include a timber drying system at the Omachi factory, designed to enhance wood treatment efficiency and reduce resource waste in production. As of 2023, Fujigen employs around 300 workers overall, with about 170 dedicated to the guitar division, including skilled luthiers whose expertise stems from the company's foundational techniques transferred to guitar craftsmanship.

Craftsmanship Techniques

Fujigen employs proprietary wood treatment techniques, particularly for tonewoods such as and , which have been refined since the 1970s to optimize tonal qualities and stability. Imported timbers are seasoned at the Omachi using a specialized drying system that conditions the wood for enhanced and durability, with selections made globally for premium aged materials like those over 100 years old sourced from lake bottoms. This process includes playing , such as , in the drying facility to subtly influence wood properties, ensuring consistent performance across instruments. In assembly, Fujigen combines automated and manual methods for precision. Necks undergo rough carving via CNC machines introduced in 1981, followed by hand-finishing to achieve ergonomic contours and fit. Fretting incorporates the proprietary Circle Fretting System (CFS), where frets are slightly curved so each string intersects at a 90-degree angle, minimizing contact surfaces for improved intonation and ; fret ends are hand-filled for seamless playability. Joints benefit from low-setup bolt-on techniques and nesting methods to maintain structural integrity without excessive clamping pressure. Quality innovations trace back to the development of custom pickups by Toshizumi Tezuka, an electrician who began winding the first pickups for Fujigen in the , laying the foundation for the company's electrical components. These early designs evolved into versatile active and passive systems by the , with in-house manufacturing starting in 1981 to support OEM and branded models, enhancing tonal flexibility and reliability. Inspection adheres to rigorous multi-stage protocols overseen by craftsmen with over 30 years of , ensuring sub-millimeter accuracy in dimensions and alignments through hand-polishing and final . This meticulous approach, emphasizing quality over volume for mid-to-high-grade instruments, has solidified Fujigen's reputation for Made in Japan (MIJ) excellence, with consistent yields reflecting superior build standards. In the , Fujigen has adapted by integrating advanced CNC technologies, including 5-axis routing, into custom orders via the and online systems, allowing precise personalization while preserving handcrafted elements. This evolution supports tailored specifications for tonewoods and hardware, maintaining the brand's commitment to innovation in precision manufacturing.

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