Mitsuoka Logo PNG
The Mitsuoka logo stands out with its Asian flair, which is rich in history. At the same time, the emblem conveys information about the brand’s activities, making the symbol rich and meaningful.
Mitsuoka: Brand overview
In 1968, Susumu Mitsuoka founded a company in Toyama Prefecture, Japan. The company began by repairing and selling used cars, automotive accessories, and parts.
The 1980s marked a new chapter as the company ventured into manufacturing, creating replicas of classic British and American models on Japanese car chassis. The Mitsuoka Bubu 50, based on the Mazda Carol, was the first of these creations, followed by models like the BUBU Shuttle and Le-Seyde.
The 1990s saw the company gain fame for its retro-styled cars built on modern Japanese platforms. The Viewt, a Jaguar Mark 2 replica on a Nissan Micra, and the Galue inspired by Bentley and based on the Nissan Crew, became icons. The Le-Seyde, a replica of the Nissan Silvia CSP311, added to the brand’s unique lineup.
Entering the 2000s, the company continued its retro innovations. New models included the Orochi, an original sports car; the Himiko, inspired by the Jaguar XK120 and based on the Mazda MX-5; and the Like, a Ford Anglia replica built on the Smart ForTwo. Collaborations with major manufacturers like Nissan and Toyota led to special editions of the company’s cars.
In the 2010s, the company modernized its production and expanded its dealership network. New models like the Viewt Nadeshiko, inspired by the Jaguar Mark 2 and based on the Mazda Axela, and the Rock Star, a Chevrolet Corvette C2 replica built on the Mazda MX-5, continued the tradition of retro-styled cars on contemporary platforms.
Today, the company remains dedicated to its unique retro-styled vehicles, appealing to enthusiasts worldwide. The company exports its cars to Asia, Europe, and North America. Despite modest production volumes, the company has carved out a distinct niche with its charming and captivating vehicles.
With over 50 years of history, the company is a creator of unique and alluring cars. Its headquarters remain in Toyama Prefecture, where its journey began, attracting a dedicated following of retro car aficionados globally.
Meaning and History
What is Mitsuoka?
Mitsuoka is a distinctive Japanese car manufacturer celebrated for its unique, retro-inspired vehicles. The company masterfully combines cutting-edge technology with classic design, producing cars that captivate with their nostalgic charm. This brand’s range of custom-built models often pays tribute to iconic British and American cars from the mid-20th century, creating a bridge between past and present.
1981 – today
The logo of Mitsuoka originates from the Japanese character 車, pronounced “kuruma.” This symbol, created around 800 BCE, represents movement, a wheel, or any moving mechanism. In the modern world, it is associated with the concept of a “vehicle.” To avoid confusion, two wheels are added at the bottom of the character, strengthening the association with transportation.
The top part of the symbol is transformed into a sword, and the bottom is turned into a spear. These military attributes convey the company’s fighting spirit, agility, and nobility. The logo expresses Mitsuoka’s strong and determined character.
The emblem’s blue color holds special significance since, in Japan, the signal for “go” on traffic lights is blue rather than green. This shade of blue creates an additional link to transportation, emphasizing the country’s cultural uniqueness and highlighting the distinctiveness of the Mitsuoka brand.
