Subaru is the first car maker to ever use a Japanese word as its name, but it is the logo meaning that has never ceased to amaze Subaru adorers and car enthusiasts. The Japanese renowned car maker is the automobile manufacturing division of the Japanese giant company “FujiHeavy Industries (FHI)”. Subaru has established a strong worldwide presence using its iconic six-star badge that has remained almost unchanged over the years. Those six seemingly randomly-placed silver shiny stars on a blue background in an oval shaped logo hold a deep meaning, which not many car enthusiasts are familiar with.
Subaru Logo History
In 1953, five Japanese companies, including Subaru, joined forced and created the giant company named FujiHeavy Industries. The word “Subaru” is not a common Japanese word, but it is the name of a cluster of stars in the Taurus constellation. This constellation is also known as “Pleiades”, while the stars “Messier 45”. Translated to English, “Subaru” means “united” or “to unite” in Japanese, which is symbolic of FHI, as it is consisted of united companies.
While the Pleiades is consisted of seven stars that, according to the Greek mythology, were the daughters of Atlas and Pleione, Subaru used only 6 stars in its logo. Each of the 5 small stars represents a manufacturing division of FHI and the biggest star represents the union of these companies, FHI. The reason why the seventh star is left out is that it isn’t. It is actually included on the Subaru logo, but it is an invisible star. Pleiades is nearest to the planet Earth and its stars can be seen with a naked eye during night.
When it comes to style, the six-stars Subaru logo has come a long way after its original design back in 1953. While the presence of the iconic six stars has always been the key element of the famous logo, the Subaru symbol has changed the position of the stars and the background color multiple times. The background of Subaru logo has been hot blue most of the years, as the Pleiades stars are of the same color. The background has been painted in transparent and red, before it was finally painted in blue. The six stars symbolize Subaru’s incredible consistency and commitment.
Today, the six shiny stars of Subaru logo are perfectly positioned; the big one stands to the upper left and the five smaller ones come in different sizes on the right. Connected in couples and all combined on a hot blue oval-shaped background, outlined with an elegant silver color, this one is definitely among the most attractive car logos ever designed.
The Six Companies:
The six stars in the Subaru logo represent the six companies that ultimately came together to form Fuji Heavy Industries, which would later become Subaru Corporation. These companies were:
- Nakajima Aircraft Company
- Fuji Sangyo Co., Ltd.
- Tokyo Fuji Dangyo Co., Ltd.
- Omiya Fuji Kogyo Co., Ltd.
- Utsunomiya Sharyo Co.
- Tokyo Fuji Kogyo Co., Ltd.
Each of these companies had its own unique expertise and specialization, which ranged from aircraft manufacturing to bus and truck production. Their merger signified a pivotal moment in Japan’s post-war industrial history, as they joined forces to embark on new ventures.
Unity and Collaboration:
The use of six stars in the Subaru logo symbolizes the unity and collaborative spirit of these six companies. It underscores their decision to come together, pool their resources, and create a new entity, Fuji Heavy Industries, which initially focused on producing transportation-related machinery, including Subaru vehicles.
Strength Through Cooperation:
The central, larger star in the logo represents the collective strength of these companies under the Subaru name. This larger star signifies the combined capabilities and innovations that resulted from their collaboration. It represents a commitment to mutual success and advancement, not just in the context of business but also in contributing to the post-war recovery and development of Japan as a whole.
A Lasting Legacy:
Today, Subaru is renowned for its commitment to engineering excellence, all-wheel-drive technology, and a reputation for producing durable, reliable vehicles. The legacy of those six original companies lives on in every Subaru car that rolls off the assembly line.
In conclusion, the six stars behind the Subaru logo encapsulate a profound narrative of unity, collaboration, and transformation. They serve as a powerful reminder of the humble beginnings of a conglomerate that would go on to create some of the world’s most respected and beloved vehicles. These stars continue to shine as a symbol of Subaru’s enduring commitment to excellence, innovation, and the collective spirit of those who came together to build a legendary automotive brand.