What is Subaru in Japanese culture?
The name Subaru is the Japanese term for the Pleiades star cluster and remains a powerful cultural symbol, appearing in language, art, folklore, and branding. It evokes the visible winter sky and the idea of gathering together.
In this article, we explore what Subaru means in Japanese culture, how the Pleiades has figured into history and daily life, and how a modern car company turned that ancient star into a global emblem.
Astronomical and linguistic roots
Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, a prominent group of stars that can be seen in the winter sky. In Japanese writing it is represented by the kanji 昴, and the reading Subaru is deeply embedded in poetry, art, and folklore. The cluster has long served as a familiar celestial motif during the winter months in Japan and has informed visual and literary imagery over centuries.
Key facets of Subaru's astronomical and linguistic significance include:
- Subaru is the Japanese designation for the Pleiades star cluster ( 昴 ), a bright group of stars visible to the naked eye in winter skies.
- The cluster has appeared in classical and modern Japanese poetry, art, and folklore as a recognizable celestial motif.
- The six-star pattern of the cluster is a defining visual cue that informs contemporary references to Subaru.
In sum, Subaru functions both as a celestial label and as a cultural symbol tied to gathering and visibility in Japanese tradition.
Subaru in branding and art
The contemporary global image of Subaru is inseparable from its logo and brand name, both derived from the Pleiades star cluster.
Examples of Subaru's branding and cultural footprint include:
- The Subaru automobile logo features six stars, directly referencing the Pleiades cluster and its six-star pattern.
- The company name Subaru itself leverages the star cluster to convey unity, reliability, and a distinctly Japanese identity on the world stage.
- Beyond cars, the Subaru name and star motif appear in Japanese media, design, and branding that invoke celestial imagery and the idea of coming together.
Together, the emblem and name have helped make Subaru a widely recognized symbol of Japan’s astronomical heritage and modern manufacturing prowess.
Cultural resonance and global imagination
Subaru’s star cluster and its name have resonated beyond Japan, contributing to global awareness of Japanese culture through branding, storytelling, and science outreach. The Pleiades appear in astronomy education, art, and design around the world, often symbolizing unity, harmony, and shared purpose.
In Japanese pop culture, Subaru is also used as a given name for characters, illustrating how the celestial association translates into personal and fictional identity. A well-known example is Subaru Natsuki, the lead character in the popular anime and light novel series Re:Zero, which helps introduce international audiences to the familiar word Subaru.
Historical and mythic textures
While the Pleiades have a clear astronomical identity, they also carry historical resonance in Japan’s literary and mythic landscapes. The cluster has appeared in waka and tanka poetry, as well as in decorative arts, where star motifs symbolize endurance, seasonal change, and auspicious beginnings.
Summary
Subaru stands as a multifaceted symbol in Japanese culture: a real star cluster in the night sky (the Pleiades), a long-standing linguistic and artistic motif, and a modern global brand emblem. Its six-star cluster visually anchors branding, while its cultural associations—gathering, resilience, and seasonal beauty—continue to shape how people in Japan and around the world think about stars, unity, and identity.
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 the Subaru symbol symbolize?
The word “Subaru” is Japanese for “unite”. The logo's six stars represent the five companies that merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries, the parent company of Subaru, and the sixth star represents Fuji Heavy Industries itself.
What does "Pleiades
While the Pleiades, in Greek mythology, was a group of seven sisters, only six of the sister stars that make up the constellation are easily visible from Earth. So, the six stars represent the six companies that merged to form Subaru.
What does Subaru mean in Japan?
In Japanese, "Subaru" (昴) has a double meaning: it is the name for the Pleiades star cluster and also a word meaning "to unite" or "unite". The Subaru automotive brand adopted this name to reflect the 1953 merger of five companies that formed its parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries, represented by the six stars on its logo.
- Pleiades Star Cluster: "Subaru" is the Japanese name for the Pleiades, a star cluster in the Taurus constellation. It is sometimes referred to as the "Seven Sisters," but the Subaru logo features six stars, with the largest one representing the company itself and the smaller ones representing the five merged companies.
- "Unite": The word "Subaru" also translates to "unite" in Japanese. This was chosen as the company name to symbolize the unification of five different companies into one to form Fuji Heavy Industries.
