R.I.P. Kimono..
Hello everyone!
As many of you might have heard, it’s a very sad, sad day. Kimono My House, one of the last remaining vintage Japanese toy stores in the US will be closing it’s doors come Feburary 1st 2009. The 25 year run of the so called Mecca of Japanese toy stores in the United States, is coming to an unfortunate end in the coming months and will be missed incredibly by a devout and maniacal following.
As the master of the run-on sentence, I feel qualified to bring you this very unfortunate news in a way that I am only capable of, so hold your breath.
Back in 1983, the dawn of “kanzen henkei” was in bloom in Japan, and Yuki and Susan decided to import and sell 1/55 Takatoku Valkyrie’s in the window of their Berkeley based Kimono shop. Who would have ever thought that their insight into these incredible toys would have led to the the toy phenomenon that might have led to the mainland interest in Macross that would eventually lead to the “Robotech” franchise. Did Carl Macek just so happen to walk by? Hmm…
Wow! Right? Right!
Well that’s just a lil’ taste of the stories that embody the intrigue that is KMH’s history. There is quite a bit more to tell, but you’ll just have to come to the party to hear these toy stories of yesteryear.
As many of you guys/gals are already aware of, we are planning a “TBDX ten year anniversary, RIP KimonoMyHouse” get together that will be taking place on the roof of KMH in Emeryville Ca at 2pm Sat 1/24. We would love to see you on the roof that Sat. afternoon for some killer conversation, refreshments, shopping and a collector based swap meet. So, bring your odds, ends and general trading fodder to partake in our very own swap meet. But beware, toys are not to be bought or sold as the only changing of money should and will only be done inside KMH. If we catch you swapping cash we’ll break your arms..
ACHTUNG!! There will also be a SERIOUS kind of debauchery that will ensue afterward, which only the hardcore TBDX crew elite can deliver. Otherwise known as the “TBDX 10 Year Roast”, this invite only event requires an RSVP to attend, so please continue reading if you’re interested.
Anyone and everyone that IS interested in the post party event should email me directly. Please include your first/last name and any other personal info, ie email, phone number and astrological sign, as it would be nice to ping you late night when I’m drunk and crying over the tragedy that is KMH’s end..
Please keep in mind we have only allocated about 40 spaces for said after party so far and we do need to hear from you in advance if you are in fact interested in attending.
This WILL truly be the quintessential meeting of the Japanese toy collecting minds in the USA, and I feel that it’s only fair of me to say that no matter how many “summits” that occur domestically or “group trips” that go to Japan that happen, this meeting will most likely be the one and only opportunity for all, or any of us, to meet and hang out together.
That being said, I look forward to a full inbox. I ALSO look forward to anyone who can help me with my run on sentence problem. Seriously, please help me..
On behalf of Alen and all of us here at TBDX, we look forward to seeing you all there.
Best,
Erik Sjoen
esjoen@gmail.com
Kimono My House
1424 62nd St.
Emeryville, CA 94608
510 654-4627
510 654-4621 fax
info@kimonomyhousetoys.com
