The Story Behind the Name "RONDO"

Every brand has a beginning, and every name has a story.

When I first started making clothing, RONDO.ym had a completely different name. At that time, I was focused only on creating. My designs were still evolving, and I had not yet found a clear direction for the brand.

The original name had no particular meaning. I simply chose it because I liked the sound of it.

Looking back, I realize that was natural. It is difficult to give a meaningful name to something when you are still discovering what it truly is.

As I continued creating garments and meeting people who appreciated my work, the identity of the brand gradually became clearer. I wanted a name that reflected not only the clothing itself but also the ideas behind it.

People often describe garments made from kimono as "recycled" or "remade." While those words are not incorrect, they have never fully expressed what I do.

For me, using antique kimono is not the goal—it is the starting point.

I choose kimono fabrics because they possess a beauty, character, and craftsmanship that inspire the clothing I want to create. The finished garment is always my destination. The material is simply the path that leads there.

That is why I wanted a name that was free from labels such as recycling or upcycling.

I chose RONDO, inspired by the musical term rondo, a form built around themes that return again and again while continuing to evolve. Although it is difficult to describe in words, that sense of movement and continuity feels close to the way I create.

The "ym" represents my initials.

In many ways, however, RONDO is me.

Every garment I create carries a part of my perspective, my decisions, and my way of seeing beauty. The brand is not separate from who I am—it is an extension of myself.

Thank you for taking the time to learn a little more about the story behind the name.

And yes... I also happen to love the song Rondo by Yumi Matsutoya. That, too, played a small part in the choice.