Traders defy demolition orders for Tokyo's historic Tsukiji fish market

Tokyo’s iconic fish market may have closed its doors and relocated to a new building earlier this month. However, a group of fishmongers and protesters are defying demolition orders and refusing to leave.

A number of fish traders are reportedly continuing to sell their produce inside the now-shuttered Tsukiji market, located in central Tokyo, despite its official closure.

The final traders are being supported by more than 100 protesters and supporters who broke through barricades in order to occupy the market, according to media reports.

Protesters have accused the local government of failing to fulfil the legal requirements necessary to carry out the planned demolition of the market, which will be used as a temporary parking site for the 2020 Olympics before becoming a tourist centre.

The relocation of Tsukiji, the world’s biggest fish market, has been tainted by controversy since the idea was first conceived 17 years ago, with issues ranging from soaring costs to concerns over contaminated soil.

Its new home in the Toyosu area, which is outside the city centre and close to Tokyo Bay, is more than twice the size of the original market and is fitted with state-of-the-art facilities.

However, the move faced widespread opposition: as many as 80 per cent of Tsukiji fish traders were against moving to Toyosu, according to a survey by a group fighting the relocation.

Hiroyasu Ito, president of the Toyosu market association, urged government officials to resolve the lingering issue with traders opposed to the relocation, according to AFP.

“It’s up to the Tokyo government to discuss the issue with these people and sort out the problem with them,” said Mr Ito, speaking at a press conference earlier this week.

“There have been lots of twists and turns, but now the market is at Toyosu and we must make it a success.”

The front gate of Tsukiji market, which operated for 83 years, was formally closed off earlier this week before the final traders and protesters reportedly forced their way back in.

Demolition of the site, which once accommodated 800 businesses across 56 acres, is expected to be completed by around February 2020.