3 Diamond Car Logo: What Does Mitsubishi and Its Logo Mean?

Any Boynton Beach Mitsubishi enthusiast has no doubt wondered about the three-diamond car logo. Even if you’re not a fan, you’ve probably asked, “what does Mitsubishi mean?” Yataro Iwasaki started Mitsubishi over 150 years ago as a shipping company. During the last hundred years, the brand has had its hand in many different industries, including owning portions of chemical production, nuclear power, vehicles, banks, and more. But still, what does any of this have to do with the three-diamond car logo? What’s the story behind the car with the diamond logo? Keep reading for the backstory to one of the auto industry’s most mysterious logos. 

What Does Mitsubishi Mean: The Origin of the 3 Diamond Car Logo

For ancients and many eastern spiritual practitioners, the number three has always had significant meaning. The number three is synonymous with strength, movement, and in some cases, elevation into a higher plane. Yataro Iwasaki’s heritage dates back hundreds of years. His ancestors were convinced of the power of three so strongly that family crests embraced a three shaped pattern — most notably his mother and father’s family trees. Both sides of the family used a three-shaped logo in their family crest — his mother’s three oak leaves and his fathers a more traditional diamond shape. You get the three-diamond car logo when you use the three-leveled shape from his father’s side and integrate the oak crest tree leaves from his mother’s crest. 

The Mitsubishi Red

One thing that always stands out regarding the Mitsubishi logo is the brilliant red color. Is this just a random color or does it mean something deeper? In Japanese culture, red has a significant meaning. Red has always symbolized a force used to scare away bad spirits. Most trinkets and good luck relics used in Japanese culture to ward off evil entities are adorned in red. Later, red was synonymous with blood during the Samurai era because it was our number one life force. The Samurai thought wearing red meant you were dominant and displayed great strength. 

Eventually, Iwasaki’s family’s three core values came into play: reliability, integrity, and success. The brand logo became a mainstay, and Iwasaki noted that each red diamond stood for one of these disciplines. Mitsubishi now has a dedicated department that works solely on using its logo to ensure there’s no clash with the intended message. 

Has the Three Diamond Car Logo Changed? 

For its nearly 150-year lifespan, the three-diamond car logo has remained relatively unchanged. Although the earlier versions look closer to the oak leaf, the more prominent diamond shape took over as time continued. 

So that answers the question of the three-diamond car logo, but what does Mitsubishi mean? 

The original three-leaf symbol of Iwasaki’s mother’s family crest is called “Mitsu-Gashiwa,” or “three oak leaves.” His fathers is called “Sangai-bishi,” or “three-tiered water chestnut.” Combine the prefix and suffix, and you’re left with “Mitsubishi!” 

Become a Part of Mitsubishi History at Performance Mitsubishi

With each new Boynton Beach buyer, the lore of Mitsubishi history continues to grow. Sometimes it feels special to be a part of such a rich history and culture, and we invite you to join in that culture. See us in person for more information on any new or used Mitsubishi, or contact us online!