02/10/2025
"Ever wondered what the 3 diamonds on the Mitsubishi logo really mean?"
The story behind one of the world's most iconic brands started with a samurai, a vision, and 3 bold shapes that now symbolize reliability, integrity, and success.
Yataro Iwasaki (1835–1885), a visionary Japanese industrialist, founded Mitsubishi in 1870 as a humble shipping company during Japan’s Meiji Restoration.
Born into a samurai family in Tosa (now Kochi Prefecture), Iwasaki transformed a small trading firm into a global empire expanding into mining, shipbuilding, and finance.
The Mitsubishi logo, introduced in 1873, is more than just design it’s a symbol of legacy:
• 3 red diamonds = trust, unity, and progress
• Inspired by Iwasaki’s family crest and the Tosa clan’s oak leaf emblem
• “Mitsu” = three, “Hishi” = water chestnut (aka diamond-shaped)
The bold red? Passion and good fortune in Japanese culture.
From samurai roots to international success Mitsubishi is proof that strong values build timeless brands.
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