KOPPELQUESTS - Photo Gallery

4/2/2004

page 1 of 4 Next
IMGP4235
A 259 kilogram (that's over 520 pounds!) tuna at today's auction at the Tsukiji fish market. At the average wholesale price of $25/pound, it will sell to the suppliers for over $13,000! The suppliers then sell to restaurants at an even larger markup.
IMGP4238
Some of the tuna being auctioned today...
IMGP4241
Prospective buyers check out each fish using a hook and flashlight. They prod inside the belly, and also roll small amounts of meat between their fingers to check the quality of each fish.
IMGP4242
IMGP4243
Some of the fish are headless - we're not sure why!
IMGP4246
Another fish being checked out before the auction
IMGP4249
The auctions are underway!
IMGP4250
An auction in progress - the men with blue badges on their hats are authorized buyers. They're actually "suppliers" who prepare the fish and sell to restaurants and stores.
IMGP4252
IMGP4253
A sold fish being loaded on a cart and wheeled away.
IMGP4256
The sold fish are taken to the huge market located right next to the auction area
IMGP4258
A couple more sold fish being taken away.