NGD

Even more confusing: the Wikipedia article on Fender Japan says: "1993: The first "Crafted in Japan" (CIJ) models start appearing due to Dyna Gakki taking over some of the manufacturing while FujiGen Gakki were expanding their operations."

So, if you didn't have a reason to believe it was likely made in 2003-4 due to the early short run of no pickguard models you might think results were inconclusive.

I guess this might be the source @Hotrodleroy saw? All the way at the bottom of the page?
http://www.xhefriguitars.com/page14.html

You gotta love the 1983-1997 serial formula where they used N as a prefix twice - the second time with 5 numbers instead of the usual 6

 

Cool CIJ Fender man!

 

THat is different and it is sweet