Iconic Tsukiji fish market holds final New Year auction before relocating

Tokyo

THE world-famous Tsukiji fish market in Tokyo held its last pre-dawn New Year's auction on Friday before closing down for relocation, with the highest bidder paying more than US$320,000 for a giant tuna.

After more than 80 years in operation, the world's biggest fish market, a popular tourist attraction in an area packed with restaurants and shops, will move to Toyosu, a former gas plant a bit further east, on Oct 11.

The market, which opened in 1935, is best known for its pre-dawn daily auctions of tuna, caught from all corners of the ocean, for use…