1.3 million dollars for a bluefin tuna? At Tokyo’s Toyosu market, it’s more likely than you think. Toyosu’s impressive artificial island, built in 2018, hosts a year-round fish market almost twice the size of its legendary predecessor in Tsukiji.   There, some of the largest catches from all of Japan are brought to a daily auction and bid on by discerning buyers from across the country. As is tradition, 2025’s first auction featured some truly monstrous catches, with the largest—sold for ¥207m (over a million USD)—boasting the size and weight of a motorcycle. Auctions may start and end in the early hours of the morning, but dozens of restaurants toting fresh fish, sushi, and other specialties keep their doors open until the afternoon. And, from the green rooftop terraces, visitors can take in the beautiful Tokyo Bay any time they like.... [Read more]

Nicolas Soergel is the founder of NIHON ICHIBAN, an e-commerce platform launched in 2012 that sells a wide range of traditional and unique Japanese artisanal products. Through his business, he is striving to help preserve the crafts industry, and with it an essence of Japanese culture. In this interview, he talks about the concept of NIHON ICHIBAN, how it came into existence, and his plans to help give Japanese crafts makers higher visibility in the global market and thereby to help attract a new generation of skilled artisans to continue these important traditions. Can you tell us about Nihon Ichiban, how it was founded, and its evolution into the successful business that it is today?   My wife is the fifth generation of Chinriu Honten, maker of pickles and sweets made of ume plum, red shiso and sakura. – established in 1871. When my wife took ... ... [Read more]

Urban greening is an important topic in Japan. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is promoting “Green policy” and actively working on improving urban parks through its projects. Some companies are creating parks with trees and flowers on building rooftops and in limited open spaces, providing a relaxation atmosphere for people. Although many people perceive cities like Tokyo as concrete jungles, there are many parks where office workers are relaxing during lunchtime on weekdays. Japan is focusing on greening as a project that will help counter the heat island problem, revitalize society, and promote tourism.... [Read more]