Tokyo's mayor insisted that the city's new fish market would be safe, as she inaugurated a "cutting-edge" facility to replace the world-famous Tsukiji, which closes next month.
"Toyosu market is safe. I want to say that" to all the wholesalers, buyers and consumers, said Yuriko Koike, referring to the new complex, located on a former gas plant further east of Tsukiji.
The new market will be "cutting-edge" with "highly advanced hygiene control", pledged Koike.
The 83-year-old Tsukiji market had come under fire for its old-fashioned buildings and safety standards.
Plans to move the market have been in the works for years, and the relocation was originally scheduled for 2016.
But myriad delays set back the timeline, including the discovery of soil contamination at Toyosu, sparking safety fears at the new location.
