Farewell to Tsukiji Market: At the Usual Standing Soba Noodle Shop

Overview

Last month, Tsukiji Market closed its doors after 83 years of history. The setting is a standing soba noodle shop located on a street outside the market. Despite the early morning darkness, the shop is packed with people. Men working at the market are slurping down soba noodles in preparation for the upcoming auction, heading off to work. Some have lived in Tsukiji for years, while others have ended up there for various reasons. What kind of place was Tsukiji Market for these workers? Over the final three days, we listen in at a nearby soba shop.