The recent change in food distribution patterns has seen producers and large retailers connect directly, effectively marginalizing the nation's wholesalers. And Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market in Chuo Ward, better known as Tsukiji market, is no exception.
But restaurants and other retailers inside the market are fighting the trend by questioning the traditional way of conducting business in the nation's largest market in terms of value of fish traded. Unsurprisingly, the old guard has been vocal in opposition.
A union of 140 of these retail shops, which were established to cater to market workers and professional buyers, launched a campaign in September to attract tourists and ordinary consumers -- segments traditionally excluded from the wholesale market.