Apparently (and this is from the customer service guy at Fender UK) ..

The early Jap strats were made in the USA for export only.

This one has "made in the USA" stamped onto the back of the neck and an "I" serial number labeling it for export (to Japan !).

This one seems to have found its way back to Iowa as I got it second hand in Des Moines ! Both the neck and body are labeled Sept 89 in the neck joint and again under the shielding I placed all over the inside cavity.

A rare bird !