As we all know Japanese quality shows up everywhere, Cars, Electronics, Motorcycles, Cars, and of course Guitars.  Think of these as a Toyota compared to a Chevy in Durability and longevity, and resale value. These originally sold for $300. retail US dollars back then, so imagine the same cost today. I have tried to give a link, but Ebay does not allow outside links in this forum. Some Pics Below.

A very great playing-sounding Hollowbody guitar made in Japan, Nippon Gakki quality. Manufacture date 1967-1972. Gibson style neck through construction, very easy playing with low action. Nice Organic wooden sound. Many variations on the tone. The tone is quite sweet and is of a vintage sound. The pickups are similar to  Gibsons Mini Humbucking. They give a warm rich wood sound, and a sweet tone.  F-holes have a plastic insert to cut down on feedback from playing loud. Very well made quality guitar, finish is outstanding and has not checked at all. Neck through construction gives great sustain. Tremolo bar is great and is styled after the older Bigsby style, more like a Fender jaguar. Bends well, and stays in tune, but is not meant to be yanked up and down as 1980s tremolos. All joints and purfling are tight. Has the PRS style ears and a violin arched front & back. Fretboard is wonderful Rosewood. guitar has solid top, back and sides. Bridge and Saddle have lots of adjustment for super tuning, intonation. Hardware is of Good quality. Nippon Gakki guitars are hard to find in good un-molested condition. Another thing good about these yams is making them leftys is easy and the control knobs for the most part are not in the way as most are. Yamaha is making a new model of this type guitar, a 3 pickup model SA 503 TVL, lowest price i can find is $999.99 list price is $1499.00 i know the quality is not as good as the older Nippon Gakki made Jazz Boxes.

I have owned a few Gibsons - 1984-SG Custom, 1966 ES-335, 1966 SG Melody Maker, this guitar plays just as well and the tone is as great, the build quality is far surpassed the guitars mentioned.