Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market witnessed the sale of a bluefin tuna weighing 276kg for a historic 207 million yen, enhancing the nation's sushi culture and promising good fortune for diners.
Record-Setting Bluefin Tuna Sold in Tokyo Auction for $1.3 Million
Record-Setting Bluefin Tuna Sold in Tokyo Auction for $1.3 Million
A motorbike-sized bluefin tuna fetches a staggering $1.3 million at Tokyo's annual fish auction, marking a significant moment in Japan's culinary tradition.
In a remarkable event at Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market, sushi restaurateurs have made headlines by purchasing a bluefin tuna for an astonishing 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million). This tuna, which rivals the size and weight of a standard motorbike, marks the second highest price ever recorded during the annual New Year auction held at this prominent seafood hub.
The Onodera Group emerged victorious in the bidding war and intends to serve this hefty catch at its renowned Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants, as well as at various Nadaman establishments across Japan. "The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune," declared Onodera official Shinji Nagao shortly after the auction concluded, as reported by AFP. He added that he hopes people will enjoy the tuna and "have a wonderful year."
Last year's auction saw the Onodera Group acquire the top tuna for 114 million yen, continuing their trend of being the top bidder for five consecutive years. The record for the highest tuna sale was set in 2019 at an astounding 333.6 million yen for a slightly heavier 278kg bluefin, purchased by Kiyoshi Kimura, the so-called "Tuna King" and sushi restaurant operator.
The Toyosu Fish Market, which has been in operation since 1935, is celebrated as the largest fish market globally and is famed for its pre-dawn tuna auctions. The recent auction did not solely feature tuna, as Hokkaido sea urchins also made waves by selling for a record-breaking 7 million yen, according to reports from the Japan Times.
The Onodera Group emerged victorious in the bidding war and intends to serve this hefty catch at its renowned Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants, as well as at various Nadaman establishments across Japan. "The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune," declared Onodera official Shinji Nagao shortly after the auction concluded, as reported by AFP. He added that he hopes people will enjoy the tuna and "have a wonderful year."
Last year's auction saw the Onodera Group acquire the top tuna for 114 million yen, continuing their trend of being the top bidder for five consecutive years. The record for the highest tuna sale was set in 2019 at an astounding 333.6 million yen for a slightly heavier 278kg bluefin, purchased by Kiyoshi Kimura, the so-called "Tuna King" and sushi restaurant operator.
The Toyosu Fish Market, which has been in operation since 1935, is celebrated as the largest fish market globally and is famed for its pre-dawn tuna auctions. The recent auction did not solely feature tuna, as Hokkaido sea urchins also made waves by selling for a record-breaking 7 million yen, according to reports from the Japan Times.
