On Jan. 5, the Fukuoka Fruit and Vegetable Markets held their last New Year’s auctions ahead of a scheduled relocation to Island City in February. According to a market representative, overall trade volume is up 20%, but prices are down 20%, so consumers can expect reasonable prices for the foreseeable future. The Central Market opened in Hakata Ward in 1968, followed by the Western Market (Nishi Ward) in 1974 and the Eastern Market (Higashi Ward) in 1982. Due to the age of the facilities, the markets will merge and move into a new building on Island City (Higashi Ward) next month. Operations are scheduled to continue in the current facilities until Feb. 8, with the new market opening on Feb. 12. Source: Yomiuri Shimbun, 1/5
