Joseph Weaver When it comes to car logos, the six-star emblem of Subaru stands out from the rest. It is immediately recognizable and has become synonymous with the brand’s reputation for excellence. Yet, despite its popularity, many Subaru fans are still unaware of the story behind the logo and the significance of the six stars.
In this article, we’ll explore the history and symbolism behind Subaru’s iconic logo, and how it relates to the dazzling constellation known as the Pleiades.
The History of the Subaru Logo
Subaru is a Japanese automaker that was founded in 1953. However, it wasn’t until the late ’50s that the company adopted the six-star emblem as its logo. The original design consisted of six stars arranged in a circle, with each star representing one of the six companies that merged to create Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru.
Over the years, the Subaru logo has gone through several modifications, but the six stars have remained a constant presence. The logo has evolved to become sleeker and more modern, but the symbolism behind the six stars has never been lost.
The Meaning of the Six Stars
Subaru is the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster, which is one of the starry wonders of the night sky. The six stars in the logo are a representation of the six stars that make up the Pleiades. However, there is more to the logo than just the representation of stars.
The logo’s designer, Tetsuya Kojima, explained in an interview that each star represents a different company involved in the merger that created Fuji Heavy Industries. These companies were Nakajima Aircraft, Fuji Kogyo, Fuji Sangyo, Omiya Fuji Kogyo, Utsunomiya Shokai, and Tokyo Fuji Sangyo.
Each star represents a unique aspect of Subaru’s business: transportation, aviation, metal, machine tools, textile machinery, and Fuji Heavy Industries itself. The logo’s six stars represent the integration of these six companies and their commitment to excellence in their respective fields, in a single unified entity.
The Connection to the Pleiades
While the six stars of the logo do represent the six companies that merged to create Fuji Heavy Industries, they also have a deeper connection to the Pleiades star cluster. The Pleiades is a star cluster located in the constellation Taurus, and it has been revered across cultures for centuries.
In Japanese culture, the Pleiades is known as "Subaru," which translates to "unite" or "gather together." The Japanese name is a nod to the cluster’s six brightest stars, which appear to be clustered together in the night sky. This connection to the Pleiades became a natural choice for the Subaru logo, as the company was itself a unification of six different companies.
Moreover, the six stars of the logo are arranged in a way that closely mirrors the layout of the Pleiades stars in the sky, adding an extra layer of connection between the brand and the celestial wonder.
The Symbolism Behind the Logo
The Subaru logo is much more than just an aesthetically pleasing design or a clever marketing tool. It represents the brand’s commitment to excellence, unity, and a sense of wonder and awe. The logo’s connection to the Pleiades adds a level of mystique and intrigue to the design that captures the imagination of Subaru enthusiasts around the world.
According to Subaru, the six-star emblem represents the brand’s values of "trust," "dependability," "safety," and "quality." The logo also conveys a sense of innovation and forward-thinking, with each star representing the company’s dedication to progress and improvement.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do the stars in the Subaru logo represent?
The six stars in the logo represent the six companies that merged to create Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru. Each star also represents a unique aspect of the company’s business.
Why is the logo called "Subaru"?
"Subaru" is the Japanese word for the Pleiades star cluster, which has been revered across cultures for centuries. The six stars in the logo are a representation of the stars that make up the Pleiades.
What does the Subaru logo symbolize?
The Subaru logo symbolizes the brand’s commitment to excellence, innovation, and forward-thinking. It also represents Subaru’s values of "trust," "dependability," "safety," and "quality."
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Subaru logo is much more than just a representation of the brand’s identity. It is a symbol of excellence, unity, and a sense of wonder and awe. Moreover, its connection to the Pleiades adds an extra layer of mystique and intrigue to the emblem, which captures the imagination of Subaru fans around the world.
Understanding the history and symbolism behind the Subaru logo can help enthusiasts better appreciate the brand’s values and mission, and gain a deeper appreciation for the automotive industry as a whole.
