A new series of correspondent blogs
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◎Correspondent Visit to Shopping Street (1st) ◎
Special items are available with professional connoisseurs / Tsukiji Outer Market Shopping Street Promotion Association
The morning of Tsukiji is early. The market worker "Tale" is busy with luggage and comes and goes. "Tsukiji Fish Bank" is a popular spot that attracts attention from all over the world and attracts many foreigners.
Mr. Suzuki is a long-established president of Torito Co., Ltd., which has been operating here since 1930 (1930). He was full of spirit, crisp, hot, and talked about "Tsukiji Outer Market".
The history of this shopping street is old, isn't it?
"Since the fish shore relocated from Nihonbashi in the early Showa era, the inside and outside of the Tsukiji Market (Central Wholesale Market) coexisted and prospered. After the war, the Kyowa-kai, which was organized by people doing business in this area, was the predecessor of the current union. In 1993 (1993), it was incorporated from a voluntary organization until now. As a result, the unity of union members has been strengthened and external activities have become more active, leading to today's prosperity."
There are many shops in the out-of-market market, but what is the current size of the shopping street?
"There are about 300 stores here. Some old shops and new stores have been opened. In some places, businesses that do business in the hall also have shops outside the hall. Recently, the number of restaurants has been increasing. There are so many shops lined up, so you can walk around the market, such as "Tsukiji Outer Market Map" and "Eating and Drink Map". You can enjoy shopping and eating and drinking with that at hand."
Speaking of fish banks, of course, seafood is the main thing, but there are other shops. What are the characteristics of this shopping street?
"The customers who come here are business, general consumers and tourists. It sells foodstuffs and related supplies to those who run business such as restaurants, restaurants, and fish shops in the town, and you can find everything here. The general public comes to buy daily ingredients here. And everyone who visits for sightseeing. There are many groups with buses. It is unique to Tsukiji that it has such a variety of faces, and it is attractive."
The number of tourists is increasing these days. In particular, I see foreign people.
"Yes. The main purpose of sightseeing is "seeing and eating", but I would like you to do "shopping" from now on. To that end, I would like you to plan a "shopping tour" by all means. It's not just a Tsukiji stop by for sightseeing spots, but a slow shopping is also fun. The price is cheap, fresh, and there are plenty of assortments here. There are such tours at the end of the year, but I want them to be full throughout the year. "Because it is the world's best market, we want to make it a city that is popular with customers around the world."
By the way, the relocation of Tsukiji Market has become a hot topic, but what will happen here?
"In the first place, it's better to function as one thing inside and outside the hall. However, there is also a problem of aging market facilities. There are different roles between the trading market, intermediate vendors such as wholesalers, and retailers, so I think it is possible to adjust each function. In any case, we have not reached a conclusion, so we will continue to operate as it is."
We are also actively holding events to excite the market.
"We are planning seasonal events so that you can enjoy it all year round. In May, "Tsukiji Spring Festival / Half Market", in July, "Tsukiji Summer Festival / Atatsu Summer Sale", and in October, "Tsukiji Autumn Festival". Our association has a wide range of age groups, from young people to the elderly, so there are many fun and interesting events that share ideas. No matter how many times you come, we are aiming for the Tsukiji Outer Market, where you will not get tired of it and want to come again."
What kind of event is the "Tsukiji Spring Festival" in May, which will be held this time?
"On May 4 (Tuesday / holiday), we will hold" 2010 Tsukiji Spring Festival / Half Price Market ". Five organizations participating in the NPO Tsukiji Food Town Development Council, including this association, will be held jointly. On the day, from 10:00 in the morning, each store will sell their specialty items at "half price". It's a bargain because it's half of the usual selling price. It's a great success every year. Please go out as soon as possible because there is a limited number of items to sell. There are also events where children can fold their helmets in newspaper. For more information, please visit our website. http://www.tsukiji.or.jp/ 」
Finally, can you tell me the secrets of becoming a good shopping at Tsukiji Outer Market?
"Each store has professional professionals in specialized fields, so first ask the shop." You will surely be able to get what you like. It's also important to know that you don't deserve. Shops value "Noren", a sign of trust, and value honestly, so you can shop with peace of mind. It's a proof of that. If you go to the shop several times, you will be able to get acquainted with each other, so it can be said that "Tsukiji-dori" quickly becomes "familiar".
Thank you very much for your busy place today and your enthusiasm for the future development of the shopping district. (Interview: April 19, 2010)
