mitsubishi Logo - History, Design, and Meaning
Company Overview
Mitsubishi Motors Corporation is a multinational automotive manufacturer and a member of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance.
Key Information
- Founded: 1870
- Founder(s): Mitsubishi Heavy Industries
- Headquarters: Minato, Tokyo, Japan
mitsubishi Logo Meaning and History
The name 'Mitsubishi' is derived from two Japanese words: 'mitsu' meaning 'three' and 'hishi' meaning 'water chestnut.' This combination forms a name synonymous with progress, technology, and quality.
What is Mitsubishi?
Mitsubishi is the name of one of the largest and most reputable Asian automakers, which was established in Japan in the 1870s. Today Mitsubishi operates across the globe, producing all types of vehicles and parts for them.
For the first three years after its establishment, the company used both the Iwasaki and Tosa crests without any wordmark, serving more as a symbol of its roots than a brand identity.
In 1873, the iconic emblem was created, featuring three elegant thin rhomboids connected at the center with a small circle. Today's logo is recognizable from this version, though it was initially more modest.
The circle in the middle evolved into a solid point, giving the Mitsubishi logo a stronger and more confident appearance.
In 1955, the wordmark was added to the logo, written in Japanese using a Mitarashi-ryu font, adding modernity and elegance. The color palette became red and black, symbolizing energy and stability.
In 1964, the logo took on the shape we see today, with more balanced and bold rhomboids, harmonizing the design to evoke reliability and expertise.
During this period, the company's motto, translated as 'with you today and tomorrow,' was added above the emblem in Japanese.
The Mitsubishi wordmark appeared on the logo in 1985, with capital letters in a traditional sans-serif typeface featuring masculine straight lines. The wordmark is in black, giving the logo strength and brightness.
Later, the nameplate changed to 'Mitsubishi Motors,' but the typeface and color scheme remained the same.
The classic red, black, and white combination is ideal for the minimalist and geometric Mitsubishi logo. The straight lines and sharp angles reflect the brand's energy and passion, conveying strength and authority.
The famous Mitsubishi emblem, created in the 1870s, celebrates the brand's heritage and history.
The composition of three red diamonds, instantly recognizable worldwide, graphically represents the company's name meaning.
The Mitsubishi emblem was designed based on two crests: the three rhombuses for the founder's family, Iwasaki, and the shape of three oak leaves, a crest of the Tosa Clan, the first employers of Yataro Iwasaki.
Each diamond in the Mitsubishi logo reflects one of the company's core values: reliability, success, and integrity.
This straightforward approach has made the Mitsubishi visual identity one of the most well-known globally. The use of red color portrays the brand as passionate, powerful, and energetic.
The Mitsubishi emblem has been a part of the logo for over a century, with only slight modifications over the years, maintaining its meaning and significance.
The bold uppercase lettering in the primary Mitsubishi logo is set in a modern, strong sans-serif typeface with stable letters and bold, clean lines. Similar fonts include Neo Sans Std Bold and ED Northridge Sans Extra Bold, with some modifications.
The color palette of the Mitsubishi visual identity has been based on red and black since the 1870s. The scarlet-red emblem represents excellence and precision, while the black lettering adds professionalism and confidence.
What does the Mitsubishi logo mean?
The laconic geometric badge of the Mitsubishi company is considered to be one of the most iconic symbols ever created. The graphic emblem of the brand is closely related to its name. The name Mitsubishi has its secret hidden meaning: it is a combination of the Japanese words “Mitsu”, which means “Three”, and “Hishi”, a water chestnut, which in Japan is considered a diamond. The official translation of the company's name sounds like “Three diamonds”, and it can be seen on the badge. The logo of Mitsubishi is also a combination of the family coat of arms of the Iwasaki family in the form of a three-row diamond and the three-leaf crest of the Tosa clan.
Why is the Mitsubishi logo red?
Red is the color, which is often used by Japanese companies, as it can be seen on the official flag of the country, in its main element, the Rising Sun. Also, in Japanese culture, this color symbolizes good luck, and as history shows, good luck has always been following Mitsubishi. Red is also known to be a symbol of power and passion, confidence, and determination.
