Society

Koike announces Tsukiji fish market's relocation, with possible return in five years

Jun 20 (Japan Times) - Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike announced Tuesday that the metropolitan government will relocate the famous Tsukiji fish market as planned but redevelop the original site in the future.

oike said at a news conference that the metro government will return the market in some form to its current site in Tsukiji, making its move to the nearby waterfront area of Toyosu, in Koto Ward, a temporary relocation.

Koike also said the metro government will aim to redevelop the Tsukiji market area in the five years after the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Tuesday's announcement comes after months of wrangling over a relocation project that was put on hold last year amid lingering soil and air pollution concerns at the new site, as well as swelling costs.

The Tsukiji wholesale market, known for its daily fish auctions, was originally scheduled to be moved to a newly built site in Toyosu last November. But Koike, who became governor in August, put the brakes on the project.

Koike's decision comes just days before official campaigning begins on Friday for the closely-watched Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election, slated for July 2, in which the market issue is expected to be a major focal point.

Koike, who heads the Tomin First no Kai party (Tokyoites First), is seeking to secure a majority in the 127-seat assembly through an alliance with Komeito and other political forces.

Source: ANNnewsCH

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