Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra continues to perform not only in Japan but on the world stage. They have performed in 31 countries worldwide, including major music festivals, and achieved the remarkable feat of being the first Japanese artist to perform on the main stage at Coachella (USA) in 2013. Takashi Kato, who performs as a guitarist for Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, has long used a 1965 Stratocaster in "Lake Placid Blue," nicknamed "Ryuboku" (Driftwood), as his main guitar, and is also known as the face of Fender Stratocaster guitars. The 'Kyle McMillin Masterbuilt Takashi Kato 1965 Stratocaster® Ultimate Relic® "RYUBOKU"' is a model that faithfully recreates the original guitar called "Ryuboku" owned by Takashi Kato.

Each guitar is handcrafted by Fender Custom Shop™ Master Builder Kyle McMillin. The prototype of this guitar has already been used on Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra's world tour, captivating audiences around the globe with its sound. The key feature of this model is the Lake Placid Blue body finish with Ultimate Relic aging. Every single fine scratch, evidence of 23 years of hard stage use, has been faithfully recreated through Kyle McMillin's masterful craftsmanship. Additionally, the original maple neck has been thoroughly profiled to completely recreate Kato's preferred narrow neck specifications. Other authentic Fender vintage specifications include an alder body, round-laminated 7.25-inch radius rosewood fingerboard, vintage frets, aged hardware, and hand-wound '65 Strat® pickups. This model will be available exclusively at Fender Flagship Tokyo and FENDER SHOP in MIKI GAKKI AMERICAMURA.

【About Master Builder Kyle McMillin】
Kyle McMillin worked at Fender's main factory for 20 years. In the five years immediately before earning his Master Builder position, he served as assistant to Yuriy Shishkov, who holds the title of "Principal" - a central role among the "Master Builders," a title given only to the masters of Fender guitar craftsmanship - and helped bring approximately 1,000 guitars to the world. In 2018, Kyle became a member of the "FENDER CUSTOM SHOP" Master Builders, joining a team worthy of carrying on the legacy of the world's finest guitar craftsmen and helping to shape the future of the Custom Shop.