Tsukiji Fish Market – A Day At The Market Through Pictures is a delightful illustration/picture book by Japanese artist Morinaga Yo, to whom I was introduced to via his other illustration book Tank Primer.

Through his whimsical and lively illustrations the artist takes us through the daily on-goings and operations at the biggest fish market in the world, supplying some 90% of Tokyo’s seafood. I’ve only been to the market twice during my 6 years in the city but the impressionable illustrations takes me right back to the hustle and bustle of the place.

(above & below) The tuna auctions, one of the biggest tourist draws at Tsukiji. Giant tuna fishes are auctioned off to the highest bidders, often the best sushi restaurants. Back in 2004 when I was still living in Tokyo the auctions were still freely accessible to tourists, but entry has since been regulated as the massive crowds started to hinder business.

(above) The numerous forms of cargo locomotion seen at the market. Definitely watch out for the yellow colored “Ta-re” ( abbreviated slang for Turret (ta-retto), due to the circular front steering shaped like a turret ) as they move really fast around the market delivering catches.

(above) The dust jacket folds out to reveal a most impressive illustration of Tsujiki. Charming.

A wonderful look and study of the world’s biggest fish market through artist Morinaga Yo illustrations. This book will serve as a beautiful reminder of the place when the fish market is eventually located to Toyosu as part of the redevelopment plan before Tokyo Olympics 2020.

The artist also has a couple of other illustration books which I am planning to review in the near future.

“Tsukiji Fish Market – Morinaga Yo Illustration 築地市場: 絵でみる魚市場の一日 モリナガヨウ” art book details :

Dimensions – 30.8 x 21.8 x 1 cm
Hard cover, 31 pages
Full color, In Japanese

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