Davis Bellew Have you ever wondered what’s behind the Subaru logo? This Japanese car maker’s emblem is quite distinctive, featuring six stars arranged in a specific pattern, an oval shape, and the iconic name "Subaru." But what does it all mean? Let’s dive into the history and design elements of the Subaru logo, as well as the cultural and brand significance of this automotive symbol.
A Brief History of Subaru’s Logo
Subaru is a Japanese word that means "unite," "joint," or "together." The company was founded in 1953 as a division of Fuji Heavy Industries, which used to produce airplanes for the Japanese military during World War II. The name and logo of Subaru were chosen to reflect the company’s vision of bringing together multiple organizations under one united brand.
The first version of the Subaru logo was introduced in 1958 and featured a stylized wing shape, symbolizing the company’s aviation heritage. In the early 1960s, the logo was redesigned to include the six-star cluster seen today. Initially, the stars represented the five Japanese companies that had merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries plus the newly created Subaru division. Later, the logo evolved to indicate the Pleiades star cluster, also known as the Seven Sisters, which has strong cultural and mythological roots in Japan.
Design Elements of the Subaru Logo
The Subaru logo consists of two main parts: the oval emblem and the six-star cluster. The emblem is meant to convey the stability and reliability of the brand, while the stars symbolize the values of creativity, progress, and harmony.
The six stars of the Subaru logo are arranged in a specific pattern, with one being larger than the others and positioned at the top. This arrangement is meant to represent both the Pleiades star cluster and the Taurus constellation, which contains the Pleiades and is associated with strength and stamina. The five smaller stars around the larger one represent the five core values of the brand: trust, respect, peace of mind, pride, and excellence.
The colours used in the Subaru logo are blue and silver, which convey a sense of trust, quality, and technology. The blue colour is also associated with the sky and the ocean, reflecting Subaru’s commitment to sustainability and environmental friendliness.
Cultural and Brand Significance of the Subaru Logo
The Pleiades star cluster has been an important cultural symbol in Japan for centuries, with many myths and legends associated with it. In particular, the Subaru logo is based on the legend of the Seven Sisters, who represent the daughters of a god and a mortal woman, and are said to have turned into stars to avoid being pursued by a hunter. This story reflects Subaru’s values of innovation, creativity, and unity.
The six-star cluster in the logo has become synonymous with the Subaru brand and is instantly recognizable to car enthusiasts around the world. The logo has garnered many prestigious design awards and has been praised for its simplicity, elegance, and symbolism. Furthermore, the Subaru logo is a testament to the brand’s commitment to quality, performance, and environmental sustainability.
FAQ
Q: What do the six stars in the Subaru logo represent?
A: The six stars in the Subaru logo represent the Pleiades star cluster and the Taurus constellation, as well as the five core values of the brand: trust, respect, peace of mind, pride, and excellence.
Q: Why is the Subaru logo oval-shaped?
A: The oval shape of the Subaru logo was chosen to convey a sense of stability and reliability, which are core brand values. The oval shape also represents the unity and integration of different organizations under the Subaru brand.
Q: What is the significance of the blue and silver colours in the Subaru logo?
A: The blue and silver colours in the Subaru logo represent trust, quality, technology, and environmental friendliness. The blue colour is also associated with the sky and the ocean, reflecting Subaru’s commitment to sustainability.
Conclusion
The Subaru logo is a powerful symbol that represents the Japanese brand’s heritage, values, and commitment to excellence. The six-star cluster, arranged in a unique and meaningful pattern, reflects the Pleiades star cluster and the Taurus constellation, as well as the five core values of the brand. The oval shape of the logo conveys stability and reliability, while the blue and silver colours symbolize trust, quality, and environmental sustainability. For Subaru fans and car enthusiasts, the logo is an instantly recognizable hallmark of performance and innovation.
