The Meaning of our Name

"The name KUMIAY means the union between the Americas and Japan, between the traditional and the modern, crossing borders for the benefit of society."

In Japanese, "kumiai" (組合) means "union" or "association". However, the ideograms (Kanji) we chose for our company are unique: “九三合”.

九 (KU)

Means "nine". Symbolizes Kyushu (九州), the island where the company was founded. It also represents Kyushu University, alma mater of one of the founders.

Isla de Kyushu
Kyushu Island
Costa Rica
Mexico
Costa Rica & Mexico

三 (MI)

Means "three". Represents the founders' countries: Costa Rica, Mexico, and Japan. It symbolizes the 3 volcanoes of Costa Rica's coat of arms, the 3 colors of Mexico's flag, and the 3 ships of the cultural encounter.

合 (AI)

Means "union" or "meeting". Represents the fusion between the Americas and Japan, tradition and modernity, and the connection of Hispanic peoples.

Bandera de la Hispanidad
Hispanic Union
Anthony Pico

The Native Root (Kumeyaay)

Interestingly, in the border region of Baja California (Mexico) and California (USA), there is the Native American group "Kumiai" (Kumeyaay). Our name is a trilingual phonetic homage connecting this local heritage with the Japanese meaning.

KUMIAY Logo
Official Logotype

Logotype Symbology

  • The Kanji “九” stylized as modern calligraphy.
  • The silhouette of a volcano (common element in Japan, Mexico, and Costa Rica).
  • The red circle (Rising Sun / Smoke) completing the letter "K".

References:
[1] Wikipedia: Kumeyaay people
[2] Wikipedia: Flag of Japan