Art Imitating Life on Eye Candy Friday

Tuna auction at the Tokyo Metropolitan Central Wholesale Market, commonly known as Tsukiji fish market, at approximately 5:30 a.m.

Container of octopi at the Tsukiji fish market.

I took my parents to Tsukiji fish market a few weeks back. That places never ceases to amaze me. If you get there early enough (at about 5:30 a.m.) you can watch the tuna auction. There is a room filled with freshly caught tuna laid out on palets and tagged with such information as where they were caught and their weight. Their tales are cut off and stuffed in their mouths. I believe this is so you can see the quality of the meat, but I’m not sure (anybody know?). After seeing the auction you can then wander through the endless little alleyways of the market and see an incredible variety of seafood. It is incredible to say the least. Word of warning: Tread carefully. Not only is the ground covered in water and fishy presents, but this is a working market where people are whizzing by on carts. If you don’t watch out, you could end up a human pancake.

If you have never been, go if you get the chance! If you feel like channeling your inner fisherman, try making one of these: (I wonder if any of the designers of these patterns have ever been to Tsukiji?)

For more information about the Tsukiji Fish Market: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tsukiji_fish_market