TOKYO, Sept. 14 ― The Tokyo metropolitan government will open a new wholesale food market, called the Toyosu market, replacing the aging Tsukiji market on Oct. 11.
The market relocation comes about two years later than previously planned, because additional safety work was required to control soil pollution at the Toyosu site.
The Tokyo metropolitan government held a ceremony on Sept. 13 to celebrate opening the new market.
At the ceremony, Tokyo Governor Yuriko Koike said: “We will grow the Toyosu market as a new showcase center for the Japanese food culture.”
The new market features cutting-edge equipment in enclosed facilities at an area of 400,000 square meters. That makes it easier to manage temperatures for refrigerated and frozen products.
Meanwhile, the Tsukiji market will be dismantled after the relocation, putting an end to 83 years of operations.
The old market site is expected to be utilized as a transport hub for athletes participating in the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.