The Japan-Exclusive Collection Celebrates Harrison’s Creative Legacy Across the George Harrison Dark Horse Stratocaster®, Accessories and F Is For Fender Apparel
TOKYO, JAPAN (October 16, 2026) — Today, Fender Musical Corporation Japan (FMCJ), in partnership with Dark Horse Records, celebrates the enduring creative legacy of George Harrison with a new Japan-exclusive collection spanning instruments, accessories and apparel. Inspired by Harrison’s singular approach to music, personal style and design, the collaboration brings together Fender, Dark Horse Records and F Is For Fender® to explore the many dimensions of his creative world.
George Harrison’s connection to Japan extended across music, art and culture, making the country a fitting home for a collaboration that reflects the breadth of his creative life. From his groundbreaking work with The Beatles and acclaimed solo career to the founding of Dark Horse Records, Harrison continually followed his own creative instincts. The collection draws from that independent spirit, reinterpreting Dark Horse imagery and elements of Harrison’s visual world across guitars, accessories and apparel. Timed to coincide with the Year of the Horse in 2026, the collaboration creates an additional connection between Harrison’s Dark Horse legacy and Japan.
“Since visiting for the first time during my father's Japan tour in 1991 my family has developed a deep love and respect for this country, its people and profound cultural history,” said Dhani Harrison. “We are so pleased that, for the first time, Dark Horse is going to be able to reciprocate the love we have felt from the Japanese fans and collectors by creating a custom Fender product specifically for this market. We love you Japan. Thank you deeply for the years of support.”
At the center of the collaboration is the new George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster®, an instrument that pairs the classic Stratocaster form with distinctive custom Dark Horse artwork. Available in Olympic White, Black and Orange, each finish features custom Dark Horse graphics, gold hardware and an engraved neck plate, creating a visual identity rooted in Harrison’s creative legacy.
Built for expressive playing, the George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster features an alder body, maple Modern “C” neck and 9.5-inch rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets. Three Player Series Alnico 5 Strat® single-coil pickups and five-way switching deliver the bright, articulate voice and signature in-between tones associated with the Stratocaster, while a two-point synchronized tremolo with bent-steel saddles, Fender® ClassicGear™ tuning machines and gold hardware complete the instrument.
The collaboration extends beyond the guitar with a collection of accessories inspired by Harrison and Dark Horse Records, including a limited-edition strap and collectible pick set, alongside the existing Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele. The collection brings together Fender’s instrument-making heritage with artwork and design drawn from the visual history of Dark Horse Records.
Alongside the gear, F Is For Fender introduces a Made-in-Japan capsule collection developed under the creative direction of Yoshiyuki Shimazu. Drawing inspiration from Harrison’s evolution from his later Beatles years through his solo career and the founding of Dark Horse Records, the collection interprets his creative identity through Japanese design and craftsmanship. Dark Horse serves as the visual anchor throughout, connecting music, fashion and design through a distinctly Japanese lens.
“George Harrison had a deep and enduring connection with Japan, making it especially meaningful to celebrate his creative legacy here,” said Giorgio Guerrini, President, Fender Asia Pacific. “This collaboration brings together so many dimensions of George’s world — music, instruments, art, fashion and the independent spirit of Dark Horse Records — interpreted through the creativity and craftsmanship of Japan. We’re honored to bring that story to life for fans and players in a country that meant so much to him.”
THE COLLECTION
George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster® (¥198,000 JPY MSRP)
A Stratocaster combining classic Fender design and playability with custom Dark Horse artwork inspired by George Harrison’s creative legacy.
- Alder body with gloss urethane finish
- Maple Modern “C” neck
- 5" rosewood fingerboard with 22 medium-jumbo frets
- Three Player Series Alnico 5 Strat® single-coil pickups
- Five-position blade switching
- Two-point synchronized tremolo with bent-steel saddles
- Fender® ClassicGear™ tuning machines
- Gold hardware and engraved neck plate
- Available in Olympic White, Orange, and Black, each featuring custom Dark Horse graphics
Fender × Dark Horse Records Strap (¥10,450 JPY MSRP)
Designed and made in Japan, the limited-edition strap celebrates George Harrison’s enduring influence through artwork inspired by Dark Horse Records. The design combines Fender heritage with Dark Horse imagery in a collectible accessory created for both playing and display. The 2.5-inch-wide strap features a textured-grain finish and is presented in a premium gift box.
Fender × Dark Horse Records Pick Set (¥3,850 JPY MSRP)
A collectible set of 12 picks featuring colors and graphic variations inspired by George Harrison and the visual history of Dark Horse Records, presented in a special collectible tin. Made in Japan, the heavy-gauge celluloid picks feature 12 unique designs and a 346 shape, presented in a Japanese-made slide tin with matching Dark Horse artwork.
Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele (¥75,900 JPY MSRP)
The collection will also feature the existing Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele. Developed in collaboration with Dhani Harrison, the tenor ukulele reflects his own approach to music and design while extending the Harrison family’s creative connection with Fender.
F Is For Fender® × Dark Horse Records Capsule Collection (¥22,000 – ¥77,000 JPY MSRP)
Designed and made in Japan, The 15-piece F Is For Fender capsule collection, built across six core styles, draws from George Harrison’s personal style, creative evolution and the visual world of Dark Horse Records. The collection spans apparel including a long-sleeve tee, button-down shirt, photo tee, sweatshirt and denim jacket, with each piece incorporating premium Japanese materials, considered craftsmanship and archival-inspired imagery.
THE NIGHT OF THE DARK HORSE
In celebration of the launch, Fender will host The Night of the Dark Horse on October 16 at Fender Flagship Tokyo in Harajuku. The invitation-only evening will bring together Dhani Harrison; Edward “Bud” Cole, CEO, Fender; and Yoshiyuki Shimazu, Creative Director, F Is For Fender, for a celebration featuring conversation, a presentation of the collection and live music from Mino Music and Fender signature artist Erino Yumiki.
Fender Cafe Harajuku & Shimokitazawa × Dark Horse Records Popup
From October 16 through October 27, 2026, Fender Cafe Harajuku and Fender Cafe Shimokitazawa will host a Dark Horse Records pop-up celebrating the collaboration. Conceived as an immersive extension of the collection, the experience brings Harrison’s creative world to life through specially created English breakfast tea, a new limited menu item, and a dedicated listening environment at the Shimokitazawa location featuring music from the Dark Horse Records catalog. Together, the two locations extend the collection beyond instruments and apparel, inviting fans to see, hear, and taste the spirit of Dark Horse Records.
AVAILABILITY
The George Harrison Dark Horse Records collection will launch in Japan beginning October 16, 2026, with availability varying by product and retailer.
- George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster® in Black: Exclusively available at Fender Flagship Tokyo
- George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster® in Olympic White: Available for pre-order through Fender dealers across Japan. Expected delivery: March 2027.
- George Harrison Dark Horse Records Stratocaster® in Orange: Available for pre-order through Fender.com (Japan), Fender Flagship Tokyo, and Fender Shop in Miki Gakki Americamura. Expected delivery: March 2027.
- F Is For Fender × Dark Horse Records Capsule Collection: Exclusively available at Fender Flagship Tokyo
- F Is For Fender X George Harrison Rocky Long Sleeve Tee - October 16
- F Is For Fender X George Harrison Rocky Tee - October 16
- F Is For Fender X George Harrison Dark Horse Tee - November
- F Is For Fender X George Harrison Rocky Shirt - October 16
- F Is For Fender X George Harrison Dark Horse Sweatshirt - November
- F Is For Fender X George Harrison Dark Horse Records Denim Jumper - November
- Fender × Dark Horse Records Strap: Exclusively available at Fender Flagship Tokyo
- Fender × Dark Horse Records Pick Set: Exclusively available at Fender Flagship Tokyo
- Dhani Harrison Signature Ukulele: Re-released ukes available at Fender Flagship Tokyo
For additional information on new Fender products and to find a retail partner near you, visit www.fender.com. Join the conversation on social media by following @Fender on all social platforms and @fender_jp on Instagram for updates from Japan.
