Mitsubishi Logo PNG
The Mitsubishi logo perfectly balances software, parts quality, and the car’s look. The emblem shows that a harmonious combination of three faces yields comfortable, practical cars.
Mitsubishi is the abbreviated name of the multinational giant Mitsubishi Group. It is part of the large professional organization Mitsubishi Keiretsu. The company’s founder, Iwasaki Yataro, brought it to market in the spring of 1870. Today, it owns many subsidiaries and enterprises across various sectors, expanding into mining, shipbuilding, automotive, gas and oil, banking, chemicals, aviation, and insurance. This group includes four parent organizations: Mitsubishi Corporation, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Mitsubishi Electric, and MUFG Bank. The head office is based in Tokyo (Japan).
The company’s roots date to the second half of the 19th century, when Iwasaki Yataro became head of the shipping company Tsukumo Trading. In 1873, she rebranded it as Mitsubishi. Success came to her after the Japanese government agreed to deliver soldiers and military materials. The firm also supported the country’s new leadership, deploying troops and weapons in 1877 to suppress the Satsuma Rebellion. Later, Yataro began investing in ship repair, finance, and mining industries.
In 1884, the entrepreneur leased the Nagasaki Shipyard to begin building ships. He later renamed the facility Nagasaki Shipyard & Machinery Works. It underwent several more changes before becoming Mitsubishi Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. in the early 20th century. In 1917, the company assembled the Mitsubishi Model A, Japan’s first production car. But the car was discontinued because it cost much more than its American counterparts.
In 1934, Mitsubishi Shipbuilding merged with the Mitsubishi Aircraft Co. organization, which produced aircraft engines and other components for ships and aircraft. The newly formed structure was named MHI (Mitsubishi Heavy Industries), Japan’s largest private company. It focused on manufacturing large vehicles and equipment.
In 1937, the firm designed and assembled a prototype military sedan. It became Japan’s first four-wheel-drive vehicle. However, immediately after the war, the enterprise switched to producing passenger cars. In 1950, the Allied states ordered the liquidation of industrial conglomerates, splitting MHI into three regional companies.
Meaning and History
It is a multidisciplinary organization that produces automobiles, chemicals, paper, glass, beverages, electronics, and much more, so its emblem is multi-component. Banking operations, construction, and property insurance are priority work areas. This shaped its identity: the Mitsubishi logo consists of three identical parts that form an inseparable figure. This is how the brand communicates its philosophy of unity of purpose and the processes that lead to it to customers.
What is Mitsubishi?
Mitsubishi is a group of companies that develops Japan’s industry. It comprises about 40 organizations across different lines of business. They are engaged in property insurance, construction, banking, manufacturing of metal products, electronics, drinks, glass, paper, raw chemicals, and more. And Mitsubishi Motors Corporation makes cars.
1870 – 1875
The organization’s debut emblem is directly related to its name, as Mitsubishi comes from the words “mitsu,” meaning “three,” and “hishi,” meaning “water chestnut.” In Japanese, this plant often symbolizes a diamond or rhombus. Therefore, the logo combines the Iwasaki family crest with three overlapping diamonds of different sizes and an asymmetrical “blade” with three oak leaves, which was the personal mark of the Yamauchi dynasty that controlled Shikoku, where Yataro was born. Both symbols were used simultaneously.
1875 – 1914
This Mitsubishi logo shows two transport elements: an aircraft propeller and a ship’s blade. This decision reflects the company’s roots and the technical scope of its activities. The main and only component was the construction of three elongated diamonds. But they did not connect closely in the middle; instead, they formed a ring with a hole, indicating a rotating screw. A trial transition to the red color occurred at this time.
1914 – 1953
In 1914, the corporate logo was changed to reflect the expanded coverage across various areas of technology production and the final transition to the Mitsubishi name. At the time, the company pursued other transport-building directions, so it decided to graphically combine the heraldry of the two dynasties with ship blades and an aircraft propeller. This is how elongated rhombuses appeared, connected at the center by the ends. The developers added color to them by replacing black with red.
1953 – today
Now, the blade images are unified and look like three-wide rhombuses. The two lower elements lie sideways on the edge, and the upper rises above them at the narrowest part. They connect at the center. The logo also has variants, both with and without an inscription. The text, which contains the name of the transnational giant, appears under the corporate icon.
1970 – today
“Mitsubishi” appeared beneath the logo to increase brand recognition. This option was mainly used in the media and other print media.
Mitsubishi’s corporate identity is based on historical heraldry, the coat of arms of the Iwasaki family, and the symbol of the Yamauchi dynasty, which controlled the area where Iwasaki Yataro was born. Initially, these were oak leaves, stacked one on top of the other in rhombuses. Then the designers rethought them and combined them into one symbol – a rhombus for a diamond, since the word “hishi” is translated as “water chestnut.” In Japan, it symbolizes this precious mineral, so the locals call this sign “three diamonds.”
In addition, according to Japanese canons, a figure consisting of three elements diverging in different directions is called “triseps,” a designation of heavenly power. That is, the founder gave great meaning to the name of the purchased company: a messenger from heaven and an earthly jewel. All this is graphically combined and conveyed in the logo.
Font and Colors
The word “Mitsubishi” can be used on its own or as part of a logo. It is in a single font, with the letter “B” split in the middle. That is, the right and left sides are not closed. It also includes an “M” with a taper at the bottom of the central part.
The logo’s palette is sparse. In the early versions, only black and white were present. Later versions are more diverse: the icon is red, the inscription is black, and the background is white.
FAQ
Is Mitsubishi a Japanese car?
Yes, Mitsubishi is a Japanese car brand. The company produces its vehicles at various facilities throughout Japan. For example, the Mizushima plant in Kurashiki, Okayama, specializes in producing technologically advanced models. Additionally, a major research and development center in Okazaki, Aichi, develops new automotive technologies. These facilities help ensure vehicles meet the high standards expected in local and global markets.
What is the slogan of Mitsubishi?
The slogan “Manage your ambitions” marks a new direction for the brand. Introduced as part of the new strategy, this phrase underscores the brand’s focus on innovation and growth. It encourages customers to pursue their dreams with determination, using the brand’s vehicles to achieve their goals.
What does the Mitsubishi logo mean?
The Mitsubishi logo with three red diamonds comes from the family crests of the brand’s founder, Yataro Iwasaki. It includes elements from his heritage:
- Oak leaves from his mother’s family crest, representing their origins
- Rhombuses from his father’s side
These elements are shaped to look like the blades of a ship’s or aircraft propeller, hinting at the brand’s history in air and water transport manufacturing.
The diamonds in the logo symbolize strength and durability, which the brand strives to embody in its products. The logo symbolizes the company’s strong heritage, values, and dedication to innovation and technological progress. It represents the brand’s evolution from its early maritime and aeronautical activities to its current role as a major global player in the automotive and electronics markets.
Why is the Mitsubishi logo red?
The Mitsubishi logo has a significant history with its three interlocking diamonds. The design draws on the Tosa clan’s three-leaf crest and the Iwasaki family’s three stacked diamonds, symbolizing success.
The red represents durability and quality, reflecting the brand’s desire to create reliable products. Over time, this symbol became well-known through Mitsubishi’s cars and electronics.