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Toyosu Market Mr. Shijima and Mr. Matsuoka appear at the 100-day-before-opening event
The Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market relocated from Tsukiji Market in Chuo Ward to Koto Ward, opening as "Toyosu Market" on November 7, 2016. A commemorative event was held at the Toyosu Market's Seafood Wholesale Building on July 30, exactly 100 days prior to the opening.
The Tsukiji Market, having operated for over 80 years, saw many of its buildings deteriorate. The facilities were cramped, lacking sufficient parking and storage space. This led to an increase in accidents and decreased work efficiency. Furthermore, being an open-air facility, it faced challenges with temperature control for food products.
The Toyosu Market site offers approximately 1.7 times the space of Tsukiji Market. It is conveniently located near the Toyosu entrance/exit of the Metropolitan Expressway Bay Area Route, providing excellent transportation access. Furthermore, being only about 2.3 kilometers from Tsukiji Market, it remains close to Tsukiji's commercial sphere. These advantages, including the ability to maintain continuity in functions and management, led to the decision to relocate to this location.
The new market site will feature buildings for seafood wholesale, seafood sub-wholesale, and produce, along with a "Visitor Welcome Facility" for the general public.
On stage, celebrities Shigeru Jojima and Masahiro Matsuoka appeared in suits, carrying a large tuna sculpture. They shared their impressions: "This is the first time I've seen tuna up close like this," and "Starting the day with tuna feels like a good omen." Regarding their selection as "Toyosu Market Support Ambassadors," they stated, "We're happy because we handle seafood regularly," and "Tsukiji is a familiar place; we still go there for ingredients. We'll continue supporting it even after the move to Toyosu." Mr. Ryoichi Kishimoto, Director of the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, presented the ambassadors with their appointment certificates, asking them to "devote their efforts toward the opening of Toyosu Market."
At the venue, Osamu Shimazu of Shimazu, a seafood wholesaler at Tsukiji, and Masahiro Sugimoto of Tsukiji Kushiyama, a produce wholesaler, took the stage. Together with the two ambassadors, they held a "Connoisseur Challenge Round 2."
Shimazu brought two sea bass and two conger eels. The sea bass question was: "For an order from a French restaurant, which is more suitable: fish killed immediately after being caught, or fish that hasn't been killed immediately?" Jojima answered correctly, stating, "Sauces are essential in French cuisine, so I think letting it rest a bit brings out the umami better." The question for the large and small conger eels was "Which is better for an order from a tempura restaurant?" Matsuoka-san chose the smaller one, stating, "I think one with less oil absorption is better," and was correct. Shimazu-san imparted the key to discernment: "A professional's role is to choose what suits the customer's purpose, not based on appearance or price."
Mr. Sugimoto presented several types of wasabi and asked, "Which wasabi pairs best with white fish?" The two listened to the characteristics of each variety, selected one, and got this correct too. Mr. Sugimoto explained his reasoning: "The best wasabi doesn't dissolve completely when mixed with soy sauce; it should retain some stickiness." He also demonstrated his knowledge of wasabi and how to grate it. The two were impressed, remarking, "We saw the pride of experts in Mr. Shimazu and Mr. Sugimoto."
From left: Sugimoto, Shimazu, Market Manager Kishimoto, and the market mascot "Itchino"
The Toyosu Market features a closed-type facility that enables temperature control of ingredients, secures space for efficient logistics, and accommodates diverse needs through processing, sorting, and packaging. It is also designed with energy conservation and disaster countermeasures in mind. The two ambassadors stated, "We believe it will become a market representing Japan. As ambassadors, we will strive to be a source of strength for the people working here," and "We hope it will become the heart of Tokyo as a vibrant market. Let's all work together to make Toyosu a success."
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