Is Subaru Japanese for Pleiades?
Yes. Subaru is the Japanese name for the star cluster known in English as the Pleiades, and the carmaker Subaru derives its name and its six-star logo from that cluster.
Subaru: the Japanese name for the Pleiades
In Japanese, the Pleiades star cluster is traditionally called Subaru (すばる). The term appears in astronomy and folklore as the native label for the cluster, distinct from the international name “Pleiades.” The word also carries a broader sense of gathering or uniting, which resonates with the cluster’s imagery.
Etymology and usage
Subaru is a long-standing native name for the cluster, used in Japanese-language astronomy and culture. The same word appears in branding and everyday language, reinforcing the link between the celestial object and the brand identity in Japan.
- Subaru (すばる) is the traditional Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster.
- The Pleiades are a prominent cluster in Japanese skies and folklore, often referenced in literature and art.
- In Japanese, the name Subaru conveys both the cluster itself and the idea of gathering or coming together.
Beyond language, the cluster sits in the Taurus constellation and is best visible in the northern winter sky, a familiar sight to audiences in Japan and around the world.
Subaru as a brand name and logo
The company Subaru chose its brand name to align with the familiar Japanese term for the Pleiades, creating a direct linguistic and cultural link between the product and the stars. The six-star logo mirrors the name and evokes the cluster’s imagery, even as it carries additional branding symbolism.
Logo symbolism and corporate history
Before the list, a quick note: the six stars in Subaru’s logo are widely interpreted as a visual nod to the Pleiades. They also carry a corporate-historical reading related to Fuji Heavy Industries, the company that evolved into Subaru’s current manufacturer, with the six stars sometimes described as representing the merger of six companies that formed the group.
- The name Subaru is used for the automotive brand as a direct reference to the Pleiades in Japanese.
- The six-star logo visually represents the Pleiades cluster, linking branding to astronomy.
- The six-star motif is commonly described as symbolizing the union of companies that came together to form the company that would become Subaru’s manufacturer.
In sum, Subaru’s branding is deeply anchored in the cluster’s name in Japanese, combining linguistic heritage with celestial imagery to signal unity and shared purpose.
Summary
Bottom line: Subaru is indeed the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, and the car brand Subaru adopts that same term as its name. The six-star logo reinforces the connection to the Pleiades, while also carrying branding references to the company’s corporate history. This blend of language, astronomy, and corporate identity is what makes Subaru a distinctive case where celestial nomenclature informs commercial branding.
