HI Kael, I own 11 Heartlands and 4 of them are the Z model,what makes you think the rod you looked was not made in Japan? as the 4 I have are stamped MIJ. I think you will be very happy chapy if you buy one,won of the best rods Daiwa make for S/P or Hard Body lure casting.It is a shame you dont live closer to me and you could have had a go at casting a lure or two in the Nepean. Cheers RAY