The world’s largest fish market

The documentary Tsukiji Wonderland captures the role the venue plays in Japanese food culture

One of about 700 wholesellers running their own fish shops at the Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo.

DUBBED the world’s largest fish market, its significance is not only in its scale but the unique role it has played in Japanese foodculture. Thebestfisharound the world, about 2,000 tonnes worth close to RM70 million, arrive at the Tsukiji Fish Market in Tokyo every morning.

The venue hosts about 700 intermediate wholesellers called running their own fish shops all under one roof.

are fish experts with origins dating back to the 16th century.

Each specialises in a certain category, such as tuna, shrimp or eel and their way of business, skills and knowledge in handling fish is passed down from generation to generation even to this day.

Located next to Ginza in central Tokyo, they have catered to the needs of demanding professionals as centre of fish culinary culture, which has helped Japanese food culture to flourish as we know it today.

All this is captured in

The food documentary, presented by GSC’s International Screen, will feature a variety of interviews by the likes of sushi chef Jiro Ono, Noma chef René Redzepi and others as well. Directed by Naotaro Endo, the 2016 production, with a duration of 110 minutes, unfolds in Japanese and English.

Tsukiji moved from its current location to Toyosu last year and the project has captured the unique fish market in its former state. The ina review, described the film as “an in-depth foodie doc highlighting the social bond between merchants and chefs”.

will premiere on Sept 7 at GSC Mid Valley, GSC Pavilion KL, GSC 1 Utama, GSC Nu Sentral, GSC Gurney Plaza (Penang), GSC Suria Sabah (Kota Kinabalu) and GSC CityOne Megamall (Kuching).