Ground broken on new Tsukiji fish market

video in Japanese
Officials in Tokyo broke ground on a new facility to replace the city’s legendary Tsukiji fish market today (Friday).

Tsukiji is one of the world’s largest fish markets. Tourists come from all over to watch buyers bargain for tuna and sample sushi.

The new facility is called Toyosu market. In addition to a fish market, the 40-hectare space will host a green market, restaurants, and a giant hot spring resort.

Relocating Tsukuji was delayed by controversy over toxic chemicals that polluted the new site.

But a cleanup is almost finished, and Tokyo is aiming to complete the new market in 2015.