nhk world's yuji osawa reports, the historic wholesale market is set for big changes this year. >> reporter: like it has for decades the ringing of the hand bell marks the start of the new year's first auction, japan's top fish market. tsukiji market gathers the best tuna, frozen and fresh, from ports around japan and overseas. more than 1,700 were on sale early tuesday morning for wholesale dealers to bid on. the first auction of the year is seen as a celebration and commands the highest prices. this year, a 200 kilogram bluefin from northern japan fetched about $120,000. >> translator: it has great importance as this was the last new year opening auction at tsukiji. >> reporter: and it marks the end of an era. the aging market will close its doors and be relocated to another part of the city in november. >> translator: it's regrettable. we have been coming here for decades. >> reporter: since it opened in 1935, tsukiji market has supplied many of japan's kitchens. and in recent years, has attracted many visitors. it's become one of the most popular tourist spots in tokyo. store owners are