Did you know that the Tsukiji Market is home of the biggest and most expensive tuna in the world? In a record-breaking moment, a 612-pound (278-kilogram) bluefin tuna was sold for an astounding 333.6 million yen (approximately $3 million) during Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji market’s first tuna auction on January 5, 2019.
This sale was led by Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King,” and president of the Sushi-Zanmai restaurant chain.
This remarkable event marked the beginning of a new era following the relocation of the market to the state-of-the-art Toyosu facility.
The Allure of Tuna Auctions
The early morning tuna auctions have long been a fascinating highlight of the Tsukiji Market, offering visitors the chance to witness live tuna assessments and competitive bidding for prized bluefin tuna.
This tradition continues to captivate crowds of locals and tourists alike, showcasing the market’s vibrant atmosphere.
From Tsukiji to Toyosu: A Transformative Journey
Beyond its reputation for providing the freshest seafood and authentic Japanese culinary experiences, the transformation of Tsukiji Market into the Toyosu Fish Market added a new layer of vibrancy and modernity.
Like other public infrastructure redevelopments, this change was driven by the need to adapt to evolving times and better serve its stakeholders—delivering access to life’s essentials while fostering business and cultural exchange.
The history of the Tsukiji Fish Market is as rich as the seafood it offers. Its predecessor, established in the 1600s in Nihonbashi, was relocated in 1935 as part of a reconstruction initiative following the devastating 7.9-magnitude Great Kanto Earthquake.
This tragedy spurred innovation as Japanese architects and engineers explored modern architectural styles from around the world to design a market facility that could meet the demands of a rapidly developing city.
Opened as a cutting-edge infrastructure equipped with earthquake-resistant features, a railway station, and a wharf, Tsukiji grew into the world’s largest fish market.
It became a cornerstone of Japanese cuisine and a must-visit destination for foodies and tourists seeking sushi-making lessons, early morning auctions, and unforgettable culinary adventures.
A Legacy of Sustainability
In October 2018, after decades of successful operations, the “inner market” transitioned to its new home in Toyosu, located near the iconic Tsukiji Outer Market.
This relocation was essential to preserving the Tsukiji Market’s legacy as a global leader in the seafood industry while meeting the demands of sustainability and innovation.
Toyosu now features cutting-edge technologies such as energy-efficient LED lighting, advanced refrigeration systems for food safety, rooftop gardens with solar panels, rainwater harvesting systems, and eco-friendly turret trucks and forklifts to reduce carbon emissions.
Local Inspiration from a Global Icon
The redevelopment of markets isn’t just a Tokyo story—it’s a global one. Inspired by Toyosu, Iloilo City in the Philippines is taking significant steps to modernize its public markets with sustainability at the forefront.
In partnership with SM Prime, the Iloilo City government is transforming its two biggest markets – the Iloilo Central and Terminal Markets – into modern, resilient hubs with solar power panels, water catchment systems, and solid waste management solutions.
Once completed, these redevelopments will provide clean facilities, ample parking, and better operational spaces, enhancing the overall experience for vendors and shoppers alike.
With these improvements, Iloilo City aims to promote economic, social, and environmental sustainability, uplifting the lives of the Ilonggos.
Moreover, Iloilo City’s designation as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy is just the beginning of building a reputation in the global culinary scene that must be upheld.
With the redevelopment of these two major public markets, considered ‘bagsakan,’ an established link and a parallel venue will emerge where the rural and urban converge for agricultural food security and sustainability.
