What is the Subaru logo based on?
The Subaru logo is based on the Pleiades star cluster, often referred to in myth as the Seven Sisters. The emblem depicts a stylized six-star formation, reflecting Subaru’s Japanese name for the cluster.
Origins and symbolism
The Pleiades is a real star cluster located in the Taurus constellation. In Japanese, the cluster is called Subaru, and this name is used for the automaker's brand identity. The six-star motif in the logo is a compact, modern interpretation of that celestial group, tying astronomy to branding and signaling unity and aspiration.
Design-wise, the logo condenses the cluster into a geometric form that remains legible on vehicles and in marketing materials, while preserving a sense of tradition and connection to the night sky.
Key details
- Based on the Pleiades star cluster
- Six stars depicted in the logo as a stylized representation
- Subaru is the Japanese name for the Pleiades
These elements together reinforce Subaru’s branding as a company rooted in heritage and celestial imagery.
Official explanations and popular interpretations
Subaru’s official materials describe the emblem as a representation of the Pleiades cluster and the name Subaru itself. A widely circulated interpretation in popular media suggests the six stars symbolize the six companies that formed Subaru’s parent company, Fuji Heavy Industries. This corporate-merger explanation appears in many discussions, but it is not officially confirmed in public-facing materials.
Common misconceptions
- Six stars represent six partner companies that merged to form Fuji Heavy Industries (a widely repeated claim).
- The "Seven Sisters" mythology directly informs the design (the logo shows six stars, reflecting the cluster’s common naked-eye presentation).
While some secondary sources promote these interpretations, the core official meaning remains tied to the Pleiades cluster and Subaru’s branding name.
Design and branding
The logo is typically rendered as white stars set against a blue field or within a blue oval, aligning with Subaru’s brand colors. Its geometry is optimized for legibility from a distance and across diverse media, from car badges to digital displays.
Summary
Subaru’s logo is based on the Pleiades star cluster, rendered as a stylized six-star arrangement that aligns with the Japanese name for the cluster. Although popular lore sometimes cites merger symbolism, the official explanation centers on the celestial connection and the Subaru brand identity.
