The Shine of Subaru: Uniting Japan’s Celestial Heritage
When most people hear the word “Subaru,” their minds immediately drift to the image of a rugged all-wheel-drive vehicle navigating a snowy road. However, for those fascinated by Japanese culture and the night sky, Subaru (昴) holds a far deeper, more ancient significance. It is the Japanese name for the Pleiades star cluster, a celestial jewel that has captivated poets, emperors, and travelers for over a thousand years.
In this exploration of the “Shine of Subaru,” we journey beyond the automotive logo to discover the origins, legends, and travel experiences linked to this unification of stars.
Origins: The Meaning of “To Gather”
While many star names in modern Japan are derived from Western astronomy or borrowed from ancient China, Subaru is distinctively Japanese. The etymology of the word comes from the archaic Japanese verb subaru (or suberu), which means “to tie together,” “to bunch,” or “to unite.”
Looking at the Pleiades cluster in the constellation Taurus, this name makes perfect sense. To the naked eye, it appears as a tight knot of glowing jewels—a gathering of celestial sisters huddling against the cold vacuum of space. Unlike the spread-out constellation of Orion or the Big Dipper, Subaru looks like a unified family.
Historically, this cluster was crucial for agriculture. Japanese farmers in the Yayoi period would watch for the rising of Subaru to determine the correct time for planting seeds and harvesting crops. It was not just a pretty sight; it was a celestial clock governing the rhythm of life.
Legend and Literature: The Pillow Book
The cultural elevation of Subaru from an agricultural marker to an aesthetic icon can be largely attributed to one woman: Sei Shonagon. A court lady serving Empress Teishi during the Heian period (794–1185), Shonagon wrote the famous Makura no Soshi (The Pillow Book), a collection of observations and musings on court life.
In her famous passage regarding stars, she declared:
“Hoshi wa Subaru…” (As for stars, the Pleiades are the best…)
She went on to describe the cluster, along with Altair and the Evening Star, but Subaru was listed first. She noted its subtle beauty—not overpowering, but possessing a distinct, flickering charm. Because of her literary authority, Subaru became cemented in the Japanese aesthetic consciousness as a symbol of elegance and winter beauty.
Unlike Greek mythology, which characterizes the Pleiades as the Seven Sisters (daughters of Atlas), Japanese folklore focuses less on personification and more on the visual concept of unity. There are, however, folk tales suggesting that the stars represent a string of jewels or a gathered group of children playing in the heavens.
Modern Culture: From Poetry to Horsepower
The transition of Subaru from Heian poetry to modern pop culture is fascinating. The most visible example is, of course, Subaru—the automobile division of Fuji Heavy Industries.
The company chose the name deliberately. Fuji Heavy Industries was formed by the merger of five smaller companies. The CEO at the time felt the new entity was like the Pleiades: distinct individual stars gathering together to form a brighter whole. If you look closely at the car logo, you will see six stars: one large star (the parent company) and five smaller stars (the merged companies). This aligns with the visual reality of the cluster; while there are hundreds of stars in the Pleiades, usually only six are visible to the naked human eye.
Culturally, the name also resonates through music. The song “Subaru” by Shinji Tanimura is a karaoke anthem in Japan. Released in 1980, the ballad speaks to the human spirit and the journey of life under the watch of the stars, further embedding the celestial body into the emotional landscape of the Japanese people.
Traveler’s Tips: Where to See the Shine of Subaru
For travelers visiting Japan, witnessing the “Shine of Subaru” is a magical experience, especially given the country’s mountainous terrain which offers respite from city light pollution. The Pleiades are best viewed in the Northern Hemisphere during late autumn and winter.
1. Achi Village (Nagano Prefecture)
Recognized by the Ministry of the Environment as having the clearest starry skies in Japan, Achi Village is the premier destination for stargazing. Located in the Southern Japanese Alps, the village runs “Star Village Achi” tours where gondolas take visitors up the mountains at night. In winter, the sight of Subaru hanging over the snow-capped peaks is breathtaking.
2. Iriomote-Ishigaki National Park (Okinawa)
For a warmer experience, head south. This area was designated as the first International Dark Sky Park in Japan. While famous for the Southern Cross, the clear horizons make for brilliant viewing of Taurus and the Pleiades rising over the ocean.
3. Lake Mashu (Hokkaido)
Known for its pristine clarity, Lake Mashu has no incoming or outgoing rivers and is often shrouded in mist during the day. However, on clear winter nights, the lack of nearby towns creates a pitch-black canvas where Subaru shines with piercing intensity.
Pro Tip: When looking for Subaru, locate the belt of Orion. Follow the line of the belt upwards to the right, past the bright red star Aldebaran, and you will find the small, glimmering cluster of Subaru.
Sources & Further Reading
- The Pillow Book (Makura no Soshi) by Sei Shonagon – For the definitive Heian-era perspective on the stars.
- The Kojiki (Records of Ancient Matters) – While primarily focused on deities, it provides the context of nature worship in early Japan.
- The Manyoshu – Japan’s oldest anthology of poetry, featuring references to celestial bodies and the changing seasons.
- Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) – For current information on dark sky parks and observatory tours.