Fender Music Corporation Japan (FMCJ) and Fender Custom Shop unveils the Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic — a meticulously crafted recreation of the beloved Fender Esquire that helped Imawano take over the airwaves and make an indelible impact on Japanese culture. The product will be made to order and will be available for order from March 5 to September 5, 2024 and will be delivered in 2025, on the 55th anniversary of Imawano’s debut.
Kiyoshiro Imawano has helped shape Japanese rock music with his raw musicianship, vibrant personality, and singular energy that he brings to every live performance and record. Influenced by a melange if different genres Imawano’s playing is a love letter to the music that helped shape him as a player— equal parts blues, rock ’n’ roll, and folk. This electric style coupled with his stunning live performances has captured the hearts of an ever-growing fanbase.
One of the most iconic guitars that Imawano owned was was a 1963 Esquire guitar. It is said that Hirofumi Kasuga acquired this guitar in Los Angeles and gave it to Imawano, and later, Reichi “CHABO” Nakaido, who joined Imawano in the influential rock band RC Succession, also played this legendary guitar for a time.
“I’ve worked on many of Kiyoshiro’s electric guitars over the years, but this Esquire remained his primary instrument until the very end” said Kiyoshi Yamamoto, who served as Imawano’s guitar technician for many years.
“The critical aspect of this reproduction lies in the neck grip. The nuanced feel of the grip has been faithfully recreated, evoking vivid memories of that era. This guitar truly deserves the titled of ‘Kiyoshiro Imawano’s signature model.’ I anticipate this guitar to gain scratches and change in color the more you play it, becoming a companion that matures alongside the player. It is a guitar that will resonate with Kiyoshiro’s fans. You can certainly feel close to Kiyoshiro playing this and my hope is that ten years from now, those who acquire this guitar will gather to share stories of each guitar’s journey after a decade of being played and cherished.”
The Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic is a staggeringly faithful reproduction of Imawano’s iconic Esquire guitar – from the pick guard, painted pink by Imawano using a water-based pen, to the body’s striking natural color. Every detail – from the soap bar pickups to the guitar’s electronics have been replicated with the utmost care using Fender Custom Shop’s expert techniques.
This model is aged to perfection with Journeyman Relic finish, which is inspired by the condition of the guitar when Imawano first acquired it. This Esquire is as gorgeously designed as it sonically powerful, and as such is the perfect ode to an artist as influential and enduring as Kiyoshiro Imawano.
Kiyoshiro Imawano 1963 Esquire Journeyman Relic will be available at Fender Flagship Tokyo (Harajuku), FENDER SHOP in MIKI GAKKI AMERICAMURA (Osaka) and Fender Custom Shop dealers in Japan. * This product is made to order. Delivery times may vary depending on the production status. Please inquire with each retailer regarding the delivery schedule.