The stunning sale at Toyosu Fish Market marks the second-highest price ever for bluefin tuna, destined for upscale dining.
Record-Breaking Bluefin Tuna Sells for $1.3 Million at Tokyo Auction
Record-Breaking Bluefin Tuna Sells for $1.3 Million at Tokyo Auction
Tokyo sushi restaurateurs secure motorbike-sized catch during annual Toyosu bidding.
The annual new year auction at Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market has seen sushi restaurateurs secure a prized bluefin tuna for an eye-popping 207 million yen ($1.3 million), approximately the size and weight of a motorbike. This sale marks the second-largest price ever recorded at the prestigious auction.
The winning bidder, Onodera Group, announced that the 276 kg (608 lb) tuna would be featured in its Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants, as well as their Nadaman locations nationwide. Onodera's representative, Shinji Nagao, expressed hopes that the first tuna of the year would bring good fortune to those who enjoy it. He remarked that the fish was caught off Japan's northern Aomori region and that consuming it would contribute to a prosperous year.
Onodera has consistently held the top bid in the Ichiban Tuna auction for five consecutive years, with last year's winning bid at 114 million yen. The record for the highest price remains a staggering 333.6 million yen set in 2019 for a slightly heavier tuna, bought by renowned sushi restaurant owner Kiyoshi Kimura, also known as Japan's "Tuna King."
Beyond the tuna, the auction also saw significant sales of other seafood, including Hokkaido sea urchins, which fetched a staggering 7 million yen, highlighting the vibrant and competitive atmosphere of the Toyosu fish market. Opened in 1935, Toyosu remains the world's largest fish market, famed for its early morning tuna auctions that attract global attention.
The winning bidder, Onodera Group, announced that the 276 kg (608 lb) tuna would be featured in its Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants, as well as their Nadaman locations nationwide. Onodera's representative, Shinji Nagao, expressed hopes that the first tuna of the year would bring good fortune to those who enjoy it. He remarked that the fish was caught off Japan's northern Aomori region and that consuming it would contribute to a prosperous year.
Onodera has consistently held the top bid in the Ichiban Tuna auction for five consecutive years, with last year's winning bid at 114 million yen. The record for the highest price remains a staggering 333.6 million yen set in 2019 for a slightly heavier tuna, bought by renowned sushi restaurant owner Kiyoshi Kimura, also known as Japan's "Tuna King."
Beyond the tuna, the auction also saw significant sales of other seafood, including Hokkaido sea urchins, which fetched a staggering 7 million yen, highlighting the vibrant and competitive atmosphere of the Toyosu fish market. Opened in 1935, Toyosu remains the world's largest fish market, famed for its early morning tuna auctions that attract global attention.
