Sumitomo Logo PNG
Sumitomo: Brand overview
Sumitomo, a well-known Japanese conglomerate, dates back to 1615, making it one of the oldest companies in the country. Its inception is attributed to the initiative of Masatomo Sumitomo, who opened a small bookstore in Kyoto during the Edo period.
Over the centuries, the organization has expanded and transformed considerably. Originally a small bookstore, Sumitomo gradually entered numerous industrial sectors such as banking, insurance, metallurgy, machinery, chemicals, and electronics. Sumitomo’s transformation into a leading industrial group is a testament to its adaptability and innovative spirit.
The conglomerate has over a thousand companies and subsidiaries, signaling significant growth. Among them are Sumitomo Mitsui Financial Group, Sumitomo Metal Mining, Sumitomo Chemical, and Sumitomo Corporation, some of the major enterprises that play an integral role in the Sumitomo Group.
The Sumitomo Group has significantly contributed to Japan’s economic prosperity, and its influence is not limited to the country’s borders. Headquartered in Tokyo, the company operates globally, employing more than 200,000 people.
In 2021, the conglomerate’s revenues exceeded $63 billion, a testament to the strength and scale of its operations. Sumitomo’s impressive growth and resilience are attributed to its long-standing business philosophy of integrity, sound management, and responsible business practices. This philosophy, inherited and maintained over the centuries, drives the conglomerate’s diverse operations.
Originating 400 years ago in Kyoto as a humble bookstore, the Sumitomo Group has come a long way. Today, it is a vast and diverse business structure firmly rooted in Japan’s industrial landscape and a strong presence in the global marketplace.
Meaning and History
What is Sumitomo?
It is a Japanese diversified conglomerate uniting companies operating in banking, metallurgy, chemical industry, mechanical engineering, telecommunications, electric power, and logistics. The group functions as a keiretsu—a system of interconnected firms with shared financial interests and coordinated strategies. Its members develop and produce equipment, materials, and services for industrial and infrastructure projects, actively participating in international markets.
1630 – today
The Sumitomo logo combines the company name and a graphic element. Sumitomo is a major Japanese corporation that selected blue for its logo to convey reliability and stability. The typeface combines smooth curves with sharp, straight angles. The curved lines represent flexibility and growth, while the rectangular elements convey confidence and strength. The letters are uniform in line thickness, providing visual balance.
Next to the name is a graphic symbol resembling a bold, stylized hashtag. The symbol is called Igeta, referencing the shape of a wooden well structure in Japanese culture. The outer square represents the frame, while the intersecting inner lines depict a water-drawing mechanism. The symbol uses the same shade of blue, maintaining cohesion within the overall composition.
The use of blue reflects the image of a deep and calm ocean. The curves of the typeface resemble waves—steady and smooth. The angular shapes are associated with solid rocks on the shore, remaining strong and stable against the elements. The Igeta symbol resembles an old well, connecting the company to Japanese traditions and the significance of water.
The design of the Sumitomo logo conveys the company’s connection to history and the traditions of Japanese culture while remaining current through the modern typeface and unified color scheme.