We just learned (thanks, Gapers Block) that Iva Toguri D'Aquino, once accused of being "Tokyo Rose", (a WWII propaganda-radio hostess) died yesterday at age 90 in Chicago. What makes this relevant to Apartment Therapy, you ask? Anne at Gapers Block wrote, "Often when I'm walking past J. Toguri Mercantile on Belmont, I'm reminded of a story that the only American accused of being 'Tokyo Rose' lives there, above the store owned by her family."
We've worked in the neighborhood for a few years, and have been in this great shop countless times for home decor, candy, paper lanterns, chopsticks, paper, you name it. And, like Anne, every time we are there or just walk by, we think of the same story.
I've been in LOVE with that store since the early eighties when I used to go there and impress my suburb friends by showing off eating Japanese candy and listening to the Cure on my walkman...NOW twenty years later I still make a trip every year to buy the coolest xmas gifts for my family. Check out their selection of Calenders...they're really quite beautiful!
The candy alone is worth the trip. Phantasmagorical arrangements of flavors and colors boggle the mind; pear chewing gum, hot pepper hard candy... etc...
J.P.—Your comment makes me think we were leading parallel lives! Were you wearing your Doc Martens or Converse hi-tops? It's been too long since I've been to Toguri, but must now make a point to make the (very short) trip. Instead of impressing my old suburban friends I can try to impress my 4-year-old son. I'm pretty sure the candy selection will wow him, although, I'll bet we can find a real sword.