In 1603, the first fish market in Japan was established at Nihonbashi in Tokyo (then Edo) by the Tokugawa shogunate. This market became the central hub for the distribution of seafood to the city, supporting the growth of Edo as a major urban center. The Nihonbashi market operated for over three centuries, until it was replaced by the Tsukiji Market in 1935. Its establishment reflected the shogunate's interest in regulating commerce and ensuring a stable food supply.

The Nihonbashi fish market appears in the works of Japanese poets and writers, including Matsuo Bashō and Ihara Saikaku. It also features in the ukiyo-e prints of the period, which depict the bustling activities of the market. The market became a symbol of Edo's vibrant commercial culture and has been celebrated in haiku and popular songs.