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The Honda brand is named after its founder's surname, Soichiro Honda (1906-1991, aged 84).
Although many companies take pride in naming themselves after their founders' surnames, Soichiro Honda was the only founder who expressed remorse and regret at doing so.
Soichiro Honda believed that a company should be a public resource that benefits society as a whole, rather than a private resource that benefits only one person or a select few. Therefore, Naming two of his company after his surname went against this philosophy, as it gave the impression that the company was a personal resource rather than a public one, which is why he regretted it.
What does Honda Mean in Japanese?
The name Honda is a common Japanese surname that originates in Japan.
During the Heian period in Japan, members of the higher classes began to assume surnames that were based on their occupations, their cities of origin, or a local feature of their places of residence. The name Honda was most likely originally assumed by someone living on or near a rice field.
It can be written using different characters, including 本田 (literally "root ricefield" or "origin ricefield"), 本多 (literally "root/origin many"), and 誉田 (literally "honor ricefield"). The name is composed of two elements: "hon," meaning "base, foundation, origin," and "da," meaning "rice field."
The surname has roots in the natural world and reflects the importance of agriculture in Japanese society. In addition, it also highlights the importance of hard work and perseverance, as rice cultivation is a difficult and labor-intensive process.
So in a way, the word "Honda" meaning coincides with the spirit of Soichiro Honda.
What does Honda logo represent?
The Honda logo is a large "H" that appears as the brand's badge. The "H" is the first letter in the surname of the Honda Motor Company founder, Soichiro Honda.
The capital "H" is broader at the top and narrower at the bottom, giving the impression that its arms are raised towards the sky. This design choice is meant to reflect Honda's official slogan, "The Power of Dreams," which encourages people to pursue their aspirations and push beyond conventional limits.
Today, the Honda logo is one of the most recognizable and popular car logos in the automotive market. It represents the quality, durability, and confidence of every vehicle produced under the company's name.
Honda Logo Timeline
01of 41961
The first version of the Honda logo emblem was introduced in 1961 and remained with the company for eight years. This logo featured a burgundy red background with a white stylized "H" in the center of the red rectangle. The "H" was unusual in style, with a much wider top half and a narrower bottom half, giving it a unique and distinctive look.
The word "Honda" also appeared underneath the enlarged and stylized letter "H". The original typeface was a simple serif choice, with very clean, easy-to-read capital letters. This logo helped to establish the Honda brand during its early years and set it apart from its competitors.
02of 41969
The 1969 Honda logo was a dramatic change from the original. This logo featured a much simpler design, with only the "H" emblem remaining. The name was removed from the insignia, as was any coloring. Instead, the "H" was displayed in white on a black background, giving it a sleek and modern look.
This version of the Honda logo design made the "H" a lot narrower, but the upper portion of the capital letter was still much broader than the lower half, giving it a distinctive and recognizable shape. This logo was used by Honda for many years before it was updated again in 1981.
03of 41981
In 1981, the Honda logo was updated to a design that is quite similar to the one we know today. The lines of the logo were redefined, and the "H" emblem was written in black on a white background with a black border. The emblem was a kind of rectangle in shape, with curved edges, giving it a more modern and streamlined look.
Underneath the official Honda emblem, the company once again showcased its name in bold, black font. The typeface was a thick serif choice, written entirely in capital letters, giving it a strong and commanding presence.
This logo design has remained virtually unchanged since its introduction in 1981, with only minor tweaks to the font and spacing over the years. It has become one of the most recognizable and iconic logos in the automotive industry, a testament to the quality and reliability of the Honda brand.
04of 42000-Present
In the year 2000, Honda added more color and texture to its logo design. The name "Honda" now appeared in a bright red shade, giving it a more vibrant and energetic look. The red Honda wordmark sat underneath a stylized version of the previous logo, where the "H" took on a 3D silver design, adding depth and dimension to the logo.
The silver arms of the Honda "H" were also slightly elongated towards the top, giving it a more dynamic and modern appearance. This logo design has been used for many years and is still in use today, making it one of the most recognizable and iconic logos in the automotive industry.
In conclusion, the Honda logo's stability and consistency are a testament to the brand's commitment to quality and excellence.
Other Logos
01of 3Honda Wordmark & Slogan
Honda: The Power of Dreams
In September 2007, Honda launched its current marketing slogan, "The Power of Dreams." This slogan represents Honda's commitment to innovation and the courage to pursue one's dreams, as well as the company's respect for personal achievement and contributions.
The slogan has been used in various Honda advertising campaigns and is intended to convey the company's belief in the power of creativity and imagination to inspire positive change and progress.
02of 3Honda Civic
The Honda Civic is a compact car produced by Honda since 1972. Over the years, the Civic has become known for its reliability, fuel efficiency, and sporty design. The Civic is available in a variety of models, including sedan, coupe, and hatchback, and offers a range of engine options, including hybrid and high-performance models.
03of 3Honda Civic Type R
The Honda Civic Type R is the high-performance version of the Civic compact car made by Honda. The first Civic Type R was the third model to receive Honda's Type R badge (after the NSX and Integra). Red is used in the Honda badge background to give it a special sporting distinction and to separate it from lesser models.
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