Mitsubishi is a global leader in the automotive industry, known for its innovation, quality, and reliability. The company, founded in 1870 by Yataro Iwasaki, has a rich history that is reflected in its distinctive logo. Today, Mitsubishi is a part of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance, one of the world's largest car-producing groups.

Mitsubishi Logo History

Meaning of Mitsubishi
The name "Mitsubishi" is derived from two Japanese words: “mitsu,” meaning "three," and “hishi,” meaning "water chestnut" (which is shaped like a diamond). This simple yet meaningful combination symbolizes progress, technology, and quality—attributes that have been integral to the company's identity.

Logo Evolution

1870 – 1873: Early Years
In its first few years, Mitsubishi did not have a formal logo. Instead, it used a combination of Iwasaki and Tosa family crests, symbolizing the company’s roots and heritage. These were more about tradition and family ties than corporate branding.

1873 – 1914: The First Emblem
In 1873, Mitsubishi adopted its first emblem, which consisted of three rhombus shapes connected in the center by a small circle. The design was elegant yet simple, a visual representation of the company’s name and values. Even in this early version, the logo was recognizable as the predecessor of the iconic emblem we see today.

1914 – 1964: Strength and Modernization
In 1914, the circle in the center of the logo became a solid dot, giving the logo a stronger and more confident appearance. By 1955, the wordmark in Japanese was added to the logo, using a Mitarashi-ryu font. This addition marked the start of the brand's more modern identity, with a color palette of red and black symbolizing energy, stability, and power.

1964 – 1985: Harmonized Design
In 1964, Mitsubishi refined its logo design to the more balanced and bold form we recognize today. The three rhomboids were made more uniform, evoking a sense of reliability and expertise. The company also introduced a motto above the emblem, which read, "with you today and tomorrow," reinforcing Mitsubishi’s commitment to long-term customer relationships.

1985 – Present: A Modern, Simplified Identity
In 1985, Mitsubishi updated its logo with the introduction of the wordmark "Mitsubishi" in a strong, sans-serif typeface. The font’s clean, straight lines gave the logo a more masculine and direct appearance, and the wordmark was presented in black, which added strength and vibrancy to the overall design. Over time, the nameplate changed to "Mitsubishi Motors," but the typeface and color scheme remained consistent.

Today, the Mitsubishi logo is an iconic symbol of the brand’s identity, using a simple yet powerful combination of red, black, and white. These colors are often associated with energy, professionalism, and authority—traits that align with Mitsubishi’s position in the global automotive market.

The Emblem: Meaning and Symbolism

The Mitsubishi emblem—three red diamonds—has been a constant feature since the company’s founding. The design is a representation of Mitsubishi’s name and values. Each diamond in the emblem symbolizes one of the company’s core principles: reliability, success, and integrity.

The emblem is based on two key family crests: the Iwasaki family’s three rhombus design and the Tosa Clan’s three oak leaves. These elements were chosen to honor the company’s founder, Yataro Iwasaki, and his employers, the Tosa Clan, who helped establish Mitsubishi.

The red color of the diamonds signifies passion, power, and energy, while the black wordmark grounds the emblem, adding professionalism and stability. Over time, the emblem has undergone only minor modifications, but its core symbolism remains unchanged, making it one of the most recognizable and enduring logos in the automotive industry.

Font and Color

The Mitsubishi logo uses bold, uppercase lettering in a modern, sans-serif typeface. The closest fonts to the one used in the Mitsubishi emblem are Neo Sans Std Bold and ED Northridge Sans Extra Bold, although they have been slightly modified to give the brand a unique identity.

Color Palette:

• Red: The emblem’s scarlet red symbolizes excellence, passion, and precision.
• Black: The black lettering adds stability, professionalism, and confidence, complementing the powerful red emblem.

Together, the red and black color scheme creates a striking, memorable visual identity that reflects Mitsubishi’s values of strength, integrity, and high-quality engineering.

Mitsubishi’s logo has evolved over the years, but it has always remained a symbol of the company’s legacy of innovation, reliability, and excellence. From its early days as a family-owned company to becoming a global automotive leader, Mitsubishi’s iconic three-diamond emblem continues to represent the brand’s commitment to progress and quality.