What does Subaru mean in Japanese?
Subaru means the Pleiades star cluster in Japanese; it is the traditional Japanese name for that cluster and the brand name adopted by the automaker Subaru.
Origins of the name
The Japanese word Subaru is the reading of 昴, a kanji that denotes the Pleiades star cluster. In Japanese astronomy and folklore, the cluster is commonly referred to as 昴 and pronounced “Subaru.”
Japanese reading and kanji
昴 is a classical kanji used to denote the Pleiades; the reading “Subaru” appears in scholarly, poetic, and astronomical contexts, as well as in proper nouns.
Branding implications
When adopted as a company name, Subaru connects its identity to an enduring celestial symbol, conveying notions of guidance, unity, and reliability.
The Subaru brand and its logo
Subaru is the automotive brand of the company formerly known as Fuji Heavy Industries (now Subaru Corporation). Its logo features six stars arranged to evoke the Pleiades cluster, linking the brand to the night sky.
The six-star logo
The logo’s six stars are a stylized representation of the Pleiades cluster. Branding lore has sometimes noted that the six stars can symbolize factors such as the original companies that formed the brand’s corporate heritage, but the central, consistent theme is the Pleiades itself.
Key facts in brief
Before summarizing, here are the essential points you should know about Subaru’s meaning.
- Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, written with the kanji 昴 and read “Subaru.”
- The car brand Subaru uses this name to highlight its Japanese heritage and a celestial, guiding identity.
- The six-star logo depicts the Pleiades; interpretations about the six stars reflecting corporate mergers are part of branding lore, not a fixed definition.
Before listing, this paragraph explains what follows: a quick, digestible set of facts about the term’s meaning and usage.
In everyday Japanese usage, the primary meaning of Subaru remains the astronomical reference to the Pleiades rather than any metaphorical motto.
Context and cultural significance
Beyond branding, the Pleiades cluster has a long-standing presence in Japanese culture, astronomy education, and art. The term Subaru appears in literature, astronomy references, and popular culture, reinforcing the connection between a prominent night-sky feature and everyday language.
Summary
Subaru means the Pleiades star cluster in Japanese. It is the traditional Japanese name for that cluster and the origin of the Subaru car brand’s name. The six-star logo is a stylized nod to the Pleiades, with branding lore offering various interpretations about the six stars. The term sits at the intersection of astronomy, branding, and Japanese cultural expression.
