The origin of the word Ki「汽」meaning “steam” in Japanese, represents rising clouds, water vapor, and water. It is also used to describe brackish water (areas where seawater and freshwater mix).
In addition to the original meaning, the restaurant also defines Ki as “intangible”, “changing (unstable)”, “mixed (uneven)” and “spreading”. With those definitions Ki is promoting change by mixing foreign substances in an unbalanced amount and what is born from that change becomes a foreign substance again that continues to change. Ki wants this activity to spring up like a cloud, become hot, and spread.
As one of the starting points of this activity, “Ki [ki:]” was established in Gojo area, sandwiched between the Kamo River and the Takase River, which is also roots of the owner.