Synopsis

Beneath the vibrant bustle of Tokyo's Ueno district lies a lesser-known subterranean market specializing in foreign foods. Descend to the basement level, guided by the aroma of unfamiliar spices, and you’ll find a lively blend of Japanese, Chinese, Tagalog, and English voices. Here, one encounters Shanghai crab, frogs, peculiar fish, and vegetables rarely seen elsewhere. The market began three decades ago with a single purveyor of Chinese goods, but has since grown considerably. Its clientele is