A few weeks ago I ended up in San Francisco and got a chance to check out the legendary Kimono My House
Jack from Tformers was kind enough to pick me up at the airport and instantly took me to the famous Kimono My House toy store.
Kimono My House is probably the oldest Japanese toy store in the US. This store predates my collecting by many years and is spoken of like a pilgrimage to Mecca. People tell me that the Kimono of today is a very different store than it once was. They say that the stock today is nothing compared to its heyday. Regardless, The store was very impressive.
KMH is located in Emeryville California, just outside of San Francisco. Directions can be found here. The store is actually on the roof of a warehouse! When you first emerge from the stairwell you are greeted by a giant Ultraman and various other characters (depending on the weather). Be advised that KMH is only open Wednesday through Sunday.
Vintage Case
Astro Boy
Ultraman
Macross Section
Godzilla Section
Behind the counter are a series of cubes, each cube with a specific theme. Customers can come around and check out the contents of the cubes.
Bagged Kaiju
More Cubes
Jumbo-sized toys
Chogokin Case
Fierce Legends toys
Sentai store display- Official Bandai product, only 50 made.
Kamen Rider kiddie playground ride
The last remaining Jumbo on the porch.
Kimono My House also has an on-line presence, which can be found at http://www.kimonomyhousetoys.com/. I have to tell you though, that the on-line store doesn’t appear to have a fraction of what you can find in the store. Your best bet is to call them and just ask.
Kimono My House is located at:
Kimono My House
1424 62nd St.
Emeryville, CA 94608
510 654-4627
510 654-4621 fax
info@kimonomyhousetoys.com
Comments
2 comments postedI didn't see any pictures of the shelf he has as you walk in the door on the upper right hand side. Where he still has a few Godaikins. He also has a Batrain that I want to get but it is still a little much. He used to have every thing you could imagine. I do not know if you got a chance or if Yuki showed you, but he has a crazy Astro Boy comic book collection. Great guy and awesome place if anyone is ever in the area you have to go there.
Its sad.....over the last 10 or so years I have watched Gaiking turn to dust. If you havn't been there you are missing out on the best store of its kind in the entire USA.
_________________________ _________ ___ _
"Why couldn't I just collect stamps like normal people!"