Jetlag haunts every visitor to Japan for the first couple of days in-country. One positive outcome of the tendency during those first few days to wake up at a very early hour is the opportunity that early rising provides to make one's way to Tsukiji, the world's largest fish market. Nine or so of this year's travel seminar group made the trek and arrived in time to witness the daily tuna auction. We also had time to wander the crowded aisles of the market itself, witnessing the incredible variety of seafood available from all over the world. For some it has become already the highlight of the tour!

AT THE TUNA AUCTION

buyers and agents inspecting the fish prior to the auction

the auction underway -- hundreds of fish are purchased within minutes!

once purchased, the tuna is carted away almost immediately. The daily process begins at 6:00 a.m. and by 10:00 a.m. everything has been cleared away.

wholesalers cut up the fresh tuna for resale to local restaurants and supermarkets throughout Japan.

flash frozen tuna is cut up using a bandsaw and a heavy ax prior to resale.

- OCTOBER 28, 2005

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