What does the Japanese word Subaru mean?

Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster. The name is also used by the carmaker Subaru, whose emblem features six stars inspired by that cluster.

Meaning in language and culture

In Japanese, Subaru (昴) designates the Pleiades star cluster, a prominent celestial symbol in East Asian astronomy and culture. The cluster is often associated with navigation and seasonal cycles, and the Japanese reading Subaru is primarily recognized as the name of the star group rather than a direct translation of any everyday phrase. While the Pleiades are commonly described as the Seven Sisters in many cultures, the Japanese usage centers on the cluster itself.

Key language facts

Before we list, here are concise facts about the term:

• Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, written with the kanji 昴.


• It is used most often as a proper noun referring to the constellation rather than a common noun.


• The Pleiades is popularly known as seven stars in many traditions, though visibility can vary; the Japanese name remains Subaru for the cluster.


• The term carries cultural resonance in Japan, linking astronomy, poetry, and national branding.

These points highlight how Subaru functions as a celestial name in Japanese language and cultural context.

Subaru as a brand and the six-star logo

The automobile brand Subaru chose the name to evoke the Pleiades and the idea of a united group. Its emblem is a stylized depiction of six stars, drawn from the same star cluster. The six-star motif is commonly understood to symbolize the six companies that merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries (the Subaru parent company) in the mid-20th century, though the emblem primarily anchors itself in the Pleiades image and Japanese branding tradition.

In branding terms, the six stars convey unity, brightness, and forward momentum—qualities Subaru emphasizes in its product lineup and corporate messaging.

Summary

Subaru means the Pleiades star cluster in Japanese, written 昴. The term functions as a proper noun naming the cluster, and it was adopted by the car brand Subaru, whose logo mirrors the six-star representation of the Pleiades. While the cluster is sometimes described as seven stars in popular culture, Subaru’s six-star emblem is a branding choice tied to the celestial cluster and the idea of unity among a group.

What do the six stars on the Subaru logo mean?

The six stars on the Subaru logo represent the Pleiades star cluster, also known in Japan as "Subaru". They symbolize the unity of five companies that merged in 1953 to form Fuji Heavy Industries, with the large star representing the parent company and the five smaller stars representing the merged companies. The name "Subaru" itself translates to "unite" in Japanese, reinforcing this theme. 

• Five companies and the parent company: The logo consists of one larger star and five smaller stars, representing the five companies that merged with Fuji Heavy Industries in 1953 to create the conglomerate. The large star symbolizes Fuji Heavy Industries itself. 
• The Pleiades star cluster: The logo is based on the Pleiades (M45) star cluster, which is also called the "Seven Sisters" in Western culture. 
• The "invisible" star: One star in the Pleiades cluster is not visible to the naked eye, which is why there are only six stars in the logo instead of seven. 
• Symbolism of unity: The name "Subaru" is the Japanese name for the Pleiades and also means "unite" in Japanese, which directly reflects the company's origin as a merger of several entities. 

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What does mooing a Subaru mean?

"Moo Moo Subaru" is a community-driven trend where Subaru owners leave small toy cows on other Subaru vehicles as a sign of appreciation and camaraderie. It's similar to the "Duck Duck Jeep" trend and involves placing a cow, often with a note, on a fellow owner's car to brighten their day. The movement was inspired by the Subaru name rhyming with "moo" and a connection to the Subaru logo's representation of the Taurus constellation (a bull).
 
Key aspects of the Moo Moo Subaru movement:

• How it works: Participants leave a small toy cow on another Subaru they encounter. Often, a note saying "You have been Moo'd!" is included, sometimes with a QR code to a Facebook group. 
• Inspiration: The trend was started by a Subaru owner who wanted a mascot for her car, similar to the rubber ducks left on Jeeps. She chose cows because "moo" rhymes with "Subaru" and because the Subaru logo is part of the Taurus constellation. 
• Purpose: The goal is to spread joy and create a sense of connection among Subaru owners. It's a form of random act of kindness. 
• Community: The movement has grown through social media, with large online groups dedicated to sharing "moo-ving" experiences. 
• Variations: The type of cow can vary, from small figurines to keychains, and participants get creative with how they leave them. 

What does Subaru mean in Japanese?

“unite
“SUBARU” signifies a Japanese word meaning “unite,” as well as a term identifying a cluster of six stars, which the Greeks called the Pleiades – part of the Taurus constellation.

Why is Subaru associated with LGBTQ?

Subaru is associated with the LGBTQ+ community primarily due to a successful, groundbreaking advertising campaign from the 1990s that targeted lesbian consumers. The company recognized lesbians as a key demographic and developed clever, coded ads that reflected their active, low-key lifestyle. This marketing strategy, combined with authentic internal support and sponsorships, cultivated a strong and loyal customer base within the community.
 

• Targeted market research: In the 1990s, Subaru identified lesbians as one of five key consumer groups willing to pay a premium for their all-wheel-drive vehicles. 
• "Gay-coded" advertising: The ad campaigns used subtle messaging and playful code, such as license plates like "CAMP OUT" and "XENA LVR," and slogans like "Get out. And stay out". 
• Authentic and sustained commitment: Subaru went beyond advertising by implementing same-sex domestic partnership benefits and becoming a founding sponsor of the Rainbow Card, which supported LGBTQ+ causes. 
• Public endorsements: The brand also signed up public figures like openly gay tennis player Martina Navratilova as a spokesperson, further cementing its association with the community. 
• Community recognition: The sustained effort was recognized and appreciated by the LGBTQ+ community, which embraced the brand as its own, leading to the stereotype of lesbians loving Subarus.