Jurong fire a reminder of markets’ place in communities

Thank you for the report “Businessmen, temples, clans raise S$280k to help build temporary Jurong West market” (Oct 28), which was a wonderful reminder about the significance of a market to a community.

In Tokyo, the relocation of Tsukiji Fish Market is a big issue (“Tokyo Olympics plan hits roadblock over fish market’s relocation”, Sep 30).

As a former Tokyo resident, I see the troubles as a sign of dysfunction in the Tokyo Metropolitan Government.

Here, the market is for everybody, and businesses, schools, temples and other associations are working together to build a temporary facility.

This year marks 50 years of diplomatic relations between Singapore and Japan, and we will have a big festival celebrating it this weekend.

As we look forward to the next 50 years, it would be nice if we can learn more from each other.