Alton Brobst If you’ve ever seen the Subaru logo, chances are you’ve noticed the six stars that are featured prominently on it. But have you ever wondered what those stars represent, or why Subaru chose to incorporate them into its logo? In this article, we’ll explore the history and symbolism behind the Subaru logo’s six stars.
Key Takeaways
- The Subaru logo has six stars, which represent the five companies that merged to form Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, as well as FHI itself.
- The stars are arranged in a cluster to represent the Pleiades star cluster, which is also known as the Seven Sisters.
- The Subaru name itself is derived from the Japanese word for this star cluster.
The History of the Subaru Logo
The origins of the Subaru logo can be traced back to the 1950s, when a group of five Japanese companies came together to form Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI). These companies included Fuji Kogyo, Fuji Jidosha Kogyo, Omiya Fuji Kogyo, Utsunomiya Sharyo, and Tokyo Fuji Sangyo.
When FHI was established, the company’s founders wanted a logo that would represent the five companies that had come together to form it. They decided to use a cluster of six stars to represent the five companies, as well as FHI itself. The six-star cluster was meant to symbolize the unification of these companies under the FHI umbrella.
The stars themselves are arranged in a specific pattern, which is meant to represent the Pleiades star cluster. This cluster is also known as the Seven Sisters, but only six stars are visible to the naked eye. The cluster has been known and observed by various cultures throughout history, and has been the subject of myths and legends in many of these cultures.
The Symbolism of the Six Stars
The six stars on the Subaru logo are meant to represent several different things. First and foremost, they represent the five companies that came together to form FHI, as well as FHI itself. The stars are arranged in a cluster to represent the Pleiades star cluster, which is a significant symbol in Japanese culture.
The Pleiades star cluster is known as "Subaru" in Japanese, which is where the car manufacturer gets its name. According to Japanese mythology, the seven stars in the Pleiades cluster are the daughters of the god of creation and the goddess of dawn. The stars are said to represent these seven sisters, who are also associated with good fortune and success.
In addition to representing the five companies that merged to form FHI and the Pleiades star cluster, the six stars on the Subaru logo also symbolize the six areas of FHI’s business: aerospace, industrial products, transportation, eco-technology, energy, and Fuji Heavy Industries itself.
The Evolution of the Subaru Logo
The Subaru logo has undergone several changes over the years, but the basic design has remained largely the same. The six stars have always been a central element of the logo, and have always been arranged in a cluster to represent the Pleiades star cluster.
The earliest version of the Subaru logo featured a more abstract depiction of the Pleiades cluster, with six stars arranged in a hexagonal shape. This logo was used from 1953 until 1968, when it was replaced by a more stylized version of the logo.
The current version of the Subaru logo was introduced in 1999, and features a more modern and streamlined design. The six stars are still arranged in a cluster, but the design has been updated to reflect a more contemporary aesthetic.
Conclusion
The six stars on the Subaru logo are a powerful symbol of the company’s history and values. They represent the five companies that came together to form FHI, as well as FHI itself. The stars are arranged in a cluster to represent the Pleiades star cluster, which is a significant symbol in Japanese culture. The Subaru name itself is derived from the Japanese word for this star cluster.
As Subaru continues to grow and evolve, it’s likely that the logo will continue to change as well. But one thing is for sure: the six stars will always be a central element of the Subaru brand.
FAQ
What does the Subaru logo represent?
The six stars on the Subaru logo represent the five companies that came together to form Fuji Heavy Industries (FHI), as well as FHI itself. The stars are arranged in a cluster to represent the Pleiades star cluster, which is a significant symbol in Japanese culture.
Why does Subaru use the Pleiades star cluster in its logo?
The Pleiades star cluster is known as "Subaru" in Japanese, which is where the car manufacturer gets its name. According to Japanese mythology, the seven stars in the Pleiades cluster are the daughters of the god of creation and the goddess of dawn. The stars are said to represent these seven sisters, who are also associated with good fortune and success.
Has the Subaru logo changed over time?
Yes, the Subaru logo has undergone several changes over the years. The earliest version of the logo featured a more abstract depiction of the Pleiades star cluster, while the current version features a more modern and streamlined design. However, the six stars have always been a central element of the logo.
