tsukiji: memories of a market

Tsukiji — literally meaning “reclaimed land”— was the original site of Tsukiji Market (itself more commonly known as just ‘Tsukiji’). 

Located in Tokyo, Japan, it was one of the largest wholesale food markets of any kind, as well as the biggest fish and seafood market in the world. 

Nowhere else in the world would you have found so many people so knowledgeable about fish and seafood. Stalls were often family-run and its workers spent decades specialising in just a few varieties of produce.

However, despite over 80 years of history and traditions, the Tsukiji site closed in October 2018, after most of its vendors had relocated to a new site at Toyosu.

With a new name and location, Tsukiji’s modernised incarnation in Toyosu will inherit its legacy and culture. Toyosu is still in its early days, and some fundamental market traditions will certainly remain; but just how much Tsukiji/Toyosu Market will change is still anyone’s guess.

These images showcased are but an excerpt from my self published photobook of the same title, available for browsing at the DECK Library in Singapore.

This project was exhibited at the Singapore International Photography Festival 2018, and also at Free Range London 2017.