How to Buy Vintage Japanese Guitars (MIJ) from Overseas
“Made in Japan” is a magic phrase for guitarists — Fender Japan, Tokai, Greco and Ibanez built instruments that rival far pricier ones. Here’s how to import an MIJ guitar without the pitfalls.
Specialist guide · Last updated June 2026 · ~11 min read
Quick answer: MIJ guitars are prized for quality and value, including famed “lawsuit-era” copies and Japan-only models, sold on Japanese marketplaces and shops — so use a proxy. They’re passive (no voltage issue), but they’re large, heavy and delicate, so the make-or-break factors are condition (neck, frets, electronics, originality) and careful, well-insured shipping.
From the late 1970s onward, Japanese factories produced electric guitars with build quality that often matched or beat the originals they emulated — at a fraction of the price. Many models were sold only in Japan, so the domestic secondhand market is the place to find them, frequently cheaper than the inflated prices they fetch abroad.
Brands & the lawsuit era
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Ibanez, ESP, Tokai originals — strong original designs and high-end models.
What to check before buying
Neck — straightness/relief, truss-rod function, any warping.
Frets — wear, buzzing, whether a refret was done.
Electronics — pickups, pots and switches working and original.
Body & finish — cracks, repairs, refinishes.
Originality — replaced parts (tuners, bridge, pickups) affect value.
Dating & originality
Serial numbers help date many Japanese guitars and confirm the era/factory — useful for value and authenticity. Ask the seller for clear photos of the headstock, serial, neck pocket, and electronics cavity, and ask which parts are original versus replaced.
Shipping a guitar safely
Guitars are large, heavy and fragile, so shipping is significant and must be done right: loosen the strings, pack the headstock and neck with support, use a sturdy box with ample cushioning, and choose tracked, insured shipping. A proxy experienced with instruments is worth a lot here.
Buying an MIJ guitar you can’t play first?
Get a free quote and have a person check condition and originality before you buy.
Last updated: June 2026. General information; not affiliated with any maker. Verify condition and authenticity before buying.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to use MiyaBuy?
You pay the item price, domestic shipping in Japan, a service fee from ¥500 per request item, and international shipping. We confirm all costs before you pay.
Which Japanese sites can I buy Vintage Japanese Guitars from?
We help you buy from Mercari, Yahoo! Auctions, Rakuma, Amazon Japan, Surugaya, and most Japanese stores. Just paste a link.
How do I pay?
Payment is split into two stages: the item price first, then international shipping after your items reach our warehouse. We accept credit and debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, and Wise.
Is it safe to buy Vintage Japanese Guitars from Japan through a proxy?
Yes. A real person in Japan reviews each listing and checks condition before purchase, so you know what you are getting before it ships.
Can MiyaBuy review Vintage Japanese Guitars before purchase?
Yes. We manually review the listing, seller notes, and visible condition details before we ask you to pay.
What should I check before buying Vintage Japanese Guitars from Japan?
Check seller photos, condition notes, included accessories, size details, authenticity signals, and shipping restrictions. If you are unsure, send us the link and we will review it with you.
