HF-SAKURA’26/ATB Moezakura

Introduction

Limited Edition ATB Sakura Model for Spring 2026

The 2026 Spring Aska Team Build Series Sakura Model features a Japanese pheasant, Japan’s national bird, as its motif. The pheasant’s beautiful plumage and dignified form symbolize Japan’s natural beauty. Appearing in classical literature, it has long been deeply connected to people’s lives and culture. Combining the pheasant, cherished in Japan since ancient times, with the scene of cherry blossoms, we weave a new spring story.

Expressing cherry blossoms in full bloom and spring buds through its coloring

The coloring features a gradient blending a pale cherry blossom pink that accentuates the Sakura wood grain with a fresh spring grass green evoking budding leaves. Combining these two distinct colors requires meticulous paint separation and precise color expression at overlapping edges, showcasing the skill of our experienced lacquer artisans who have crafted countless Sakura-themed guitars.

The national bird, the pheasant, vividly represented

“Guitar craftsmanship only possible from a Japanese manufacturer” is a vital theme for us as we introduce Japanese domestic woods (also known as “Wazai”) to the world, starting with our Sakura models.
As an extension of that sentiment, incorporating the Japanese pheasant, a species unique to Japan, into our designs became a natural step for us.

The pheasant adorning the headstock top is a delicate representation of the vibrant male bird, crafted using multiple materials. It embodies the advanced techniques only achievable by the artisans of Aska Workshop, who have mastered countless motifs over the years.

A design of a pheasant and its young walking amidst falling cherry blossoms

The sight of a pheasant family, visible even in our own neighborhoods during cherry blossom season. There lies a steadfast presence, a contrast to the image of the flamboyant male.

Cherry blossoms expressed through inlay work featuring pheasant feathers and Japanese aesthetics

The ebony fingerboard features inlay work depicting cherry blossoms and pheasant feathers. To express a Japanese aesthetic in keeping with the pheasant theme, multiple materials were used to create a design evoking the spirit of Japan, with a winding cherry tree branch.

Soundhole cover featuring a design of a woman holding a Japanese umbrella amidst cherry blossoms

In springtime, gazing ahead, cherry blossoms and a pheasant appear. Amidst the falling petals, the scene of that gaze is captured.

Body back design inspired by hanging scrolls in Japanese ink-wash style

The center of the body back evokes the image of an ink-painted hanging scroll. It achieves depth not merely through paint imitating ink-wash, but by combining multiple techniques, such as embedding inlays within the cherry blossoms. The Aska Workshop’s seal is also stamped onto each unit. Since craftsmen apply this seal by hand to every single guitra, slight variations create a sense of uniqueness for the piece you own.

Features the latest ATB series construction advancements

Headway’s Thinnest Ever “Extra Slim U-Neck”

Featuring the Extra Slim U Neck, prioritizing thinness that defies the conventional image of Headway necks. While maintaining the stability characteristic of Headway necks, rigidity is enhanced through the “High Strength Neck” design, which incorporates carbon bars. Their effect extends beyond stability; by suppressing unwanted neck warping and ensuring smooth transmission of string vibration to the body top, it improves expressiveness in the higher registers.

34 Semi-Forward Shifted Bracing

Headway Master Builder Yasuo Momose studied the bracing of a 1934 vintage guitar and developed his own unique bracing system. This system features a semi-forward shift where the X-brace crosses closer to the soundhole, resulting in better low-end response and a more voluminous tone compared to a new guitar. By positioning the X-brace approximately 5mm closer to the bridge than a standard forward shift, the design also considers the stability of the top plate.