It used to be CIJ and at some point in the early to mid 00's they changed it to MIJ. It had something to do with the manufacturing.
Fender Japan - Wikipedia
"Made in Japan" and "Crafted in Japan"[edit]
MADE IN JAPAN serial number
Crafted in Japan serial number
- "Made in Japan" = FujiGen Gakki
- "Crafted in Japan" = Others (Tōkai Gakki, Dyna Gakki)