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Behind the Badge: What Do the Six Stars Of Subaru’s Logo Signify?

Discover how Subaru's name and emblem are connected—and are out of this world...

As the first automaker to use a Japanese word as its name, Subaru has established a universal brand identity thanks to global use of its six-star emblem. Have you ever wondered what those stars represent, and where the automaker got its name?

Related: Could the 2017 Subaru Impreza be a game-changer for the sedan market?

Where Did Subaru Get Its Name and Logo Design?

Back in 1953, FujiHeavy Industries was created through an investment in five separate companies. Soon, these five entities merged with FHI, including the automobile manufacturing division.

The term “Subaru” is also the Japanese name for a cluster of stars in the Taurus constellation, known to many by the name “Pleiades.” These stars are also known as Messier 45 or “The Seven Sisters,” because according to Greek mythology, they were once Atlas’ daughters: Alcyone, Asterope, Merope, Maia, Taygeta, Celaeno, and Electra.

Surely you’re already wondering, why are there only six stars in Subaru’s logo if it’s named after a constellation of seven daughters? The reason is to the naked eye, the cluster of stars appears to only have six stars–two are so close together, they appear as one big star. Thus, the Pleiades constellation is known for being a “unification of the stars.”

In Subaru’s logo, the large star symbolizes Fuji Heavy Industries and the five smaller stars indicate the five companies that merged to form FHI. The emblem’s background is nearly always blue, as the color of the actual Pleiades stars are blue.

Subaru’s emblem has remained consistently used around the world since 1958, emphasizing the brand’s ongoing, global unity.

Enjoy learning about the Subaru logo? Check out the rest of The News Wheel’s “Behind the Badge” series to learn about other auto brands!

Related: What’s on the dog’s bucket list in the Subaru Impreza commercial?

News Sources: Subaru Australia, World Car Fans, & Famous Logos