I finally got over to check out Kimono My House new location. I gotta say I like the new warehouse much better than the old rooftop shop. For one thing, I don't have to climb up all the stairs. Secondly, the warehouse is much bigger. More elbow room. But on the other hand, some of the close quarters charm of the old spot is lost too. Regardless, KMH is a timeless jewell of a toy store for anyone. I hope it never closes. Prices are a bit high, but looking around at all the Japanese toy goodness is priceless.
Kimono My House
Sat/Sun 11-5
Mon-Fri by appointment
1455 64th St. Emeryville, CA
orders@kimonomyhousetoys.com
510-654-4627
For those of you into nostalgia, check out this post I did on the old Kimono My House almost 7 years ago.
After Trade Fest at Super7, we ventured to the East Bay to bid farewell to Kimono My House located at the top of an industrial building in Emeryville. For 28 years, KMH was the oldest operating Japanese Toy Store in the United States. To celebrate KMH's history, collectors from around the world descended upon the Bay Area like the Swallows returning to the Mission at San Juan Capistrano. These guys collectively referred to as the "Die-Cast Guys" represent a few factions of toy geekdom including the 11-year old grand daddy site and forum ToyboxDX founded by Alen Yen or the guys that hang out at Josh Bernard's CollectionDX and the mecha-heads over at Robot Japan. Yes, there were a few of us from Skullbrain, but I have to admit, I felt a bit out of my element. All told, there was probably 40-50 people at KMH lining up to buy toys. I've never ever seen it that crowded, nor waiting that long in line to pay. As I was paying Yuki for my toys, he mentioned that he was moving the store to another location? Maybe KMH is not gone for good! Just this old store. Too bad. Either way, it will never be the same. For more pics of Kimono My House from our visit in November, CLICK HERE.
The following 3 pics stolen from Hypermook!
Yuki gave me this tiny Kamen Rider toys for around a buck each! They rule!!
My last toy from Kimono My House will be this translucent Jeeg. Thanks to Bert for showing me the way. This thing is so friggin cool I can't believe I've never picked one up before. Looks like candy, I want to pick it up and eat it. It's hefty and has a really sturdy feel to it. It's a toy made to be played with.
Thanks Yuki! Sounds like we will still be seeing you around!
After 28 years, the oldest running Japanese Toy Store in the United States, Kimono My House is closing it's Retail Store in Emeryville, CA in the January / February time frame. While this is a huge loss, don't too weepy since Yuki will continue to operate the Web Store and Wholesale business. A few of us locals decided to make a pilgrimage to visit the venerable toy store.
Located in Emeryville, CA on top of this building, KMH is a toy oasis in a sea of industrial buildings.
I first blogged about KMH a little over three years ago... and you can see not much has changed...which is a good thing.
Although KMH will live on in it's web incarnation, losing this old retail store will be a real heartbreak. There will never be a store like this again. It's truly the end of an era. Ironically it's the web that has caused it's downfall. Back in the day before the interweb, collectors had to come to stores like KMH to get their toys. There was no other way. Now that you can buy pretty much about anything on Yahoo Japan Auctions and eBay, there is far less foot traffic at KMH. But buying toys on the web is a completely different experience. You usually have to know exactly what you want to buy before "browsing" YJA. You don't get the experience of walking down the aisles searching through shelves, turning boxes to see if any hidden gems lurk behind. This is what is most fun about KMH: you never know what you will find. It's a toy buying experience that i'm very sad my son will never get to experience (at least at KMH).
Steve, Joe and Dean doing the Ultraman Air Guitar
So what was the haul? Yuki gave me a good deal on a Hyper Hero Kikaida, couple of die-cast Banpreso T-28 Mini figs, Hot Wheels Kikaida bike and these really cool transforming mini Mazinger toys. They transform into flying mode! Finally a really beautiful book with wonderful photography of Tokusatsu Heroes and Villains.
So if you're a Japanese toy collector, I would get over here to Emeryville, CA before January / February timeframe when the retail store will be closing. It's your last chance to experience a wonderful toy store that will be missed.
