Record-Breaking Bluefin Tuna Fetches $1.3 Million at Tokyo Auction

Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market sees another monumental sale as the bluefin tuna captures attention and illustrates continued fascination with luxury seafood.

In a surprising trend that underscores the cultural and culinary significance of seafood, sushi restaurateurs in Tokyo have made headlines by purchasing a bluefin tuna for a staggering 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million). The colossal fish, which weighs 276 kg (608 lb) and is comparable in size to a motorbike, was auctioned during the annual new year event at the Toyosu Fish Market.

The Onodera Group, known for its upscale eateries, emerged as the winning bidder, intending to serve this prized catch at its Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants and Nadaman locations throughout Japan. "The first tuna of the year symbolizes bringing in good fortune," explained Onodera representative Shinji Nagao following the auction, highlighting the cultural importance of such a purchase. “We hope people will enjoy the tuna and have a wonderful year ahead,” he added.

This year’s auction marks the fifth consecutive time Onodera Group has dominated the Ichiban Tuna auction, underscoring their commitment to premium offerings. Last year, the same group spent 114 million yen for the top tuna, whereas the highest price ever recorded since 1999 remains 333.6 million yen, paid by Kiyoshi Kimura, a sushi restaurant king, for a 278 kg bluefin in 2019.

The Toyosu Fish Market, renowned as the largest fish market in the world since its opening in 1935, regularly attracts international attention during its early morning tuna auctions. However, the auction was not limited to tuna alone; Hokkaido sea urchins also made waves, fetching a record 7 million yen, reinforcing the event's status as a highlight in Japan's fishing and culinary calendar.