The Onodera Group acquired the tuna as part of a New Year's tradition symbolizing good fortune. This year's auction highlighted the ongoing demand for premium seafood, despite concerns over sustainable fishing practices.
Record-Breaking Bluefin Tuna Auctioned for $1.3 Million in Tokyo
Record-Breaking Bluefin Tuna Auctioned for $1.3 Million in Tokyo
A bluefin tuna, weighing 276kg, fetched a staggering $1.3 million at Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market, marking the second highest price ever recorded.
The sushi scene in Tokyo has made headlines once again with the recent auction of a bluefin tuna that was purchased for an astonishing 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million) at the Toyosu Fish Market. Weighing in at around 276 kg (608 lb), this tuna sale now ranks as the second highest ever recorded at the annual New Year’s auction. The Onodera Group, the successful bidder, intends to serve this prized fish at its Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants and across its renowned Nadaman restaurants throughout Japan.
Onodera official Shinji Nagao expressed that the first tuna of the year holds significance, bringing good luck for those who partake in it. He noted the hope that diners could enjoy this exceptional catch and herald a prosperous year ahead. The tuna was sourced from near Aomori, a prominent fishing region known for its high-quality seafood.
Interestingly, this year's auction saw Onodera Group secure the top tuna for the fifth consecutive year, with last year's price standing at 114 million yen. The record for the highest auction amount remains at 333.6 million yen, achieved in 2019 for a slightly heavier bluefin tuna. The Toyosu Fish Market, a global hub for fish sales since its opening in 1935, is distinguished for its early morning tuna auctions, reflecting both tradition and culinary delicacies.
In addition to tuna, the auction also showcased Hokkaido sea urchins that sold for a landmark 7 million yen, further indicating the thriving seafood market in Japan, which is simultaneously facing challenges surrounding sustainable fishing practices and the impact of climate change on marine life.
Onodera official Shinji Nagao expressed that the first tuna of the year holds significance, bringing good luck for those who partake in it. He noted the hope that diners could enjoy this exceptional catch and herald a prosperous year ahead. The tuna was sourced from near Aomori, a prominent fishing region known for its high-quality seafood.
Interestingly, this year's auction saw Onodera Group secure the top tuna for the fifth consecutive year, with last year's price standing at 114 million yen. The record for the highest auction amount remains at 333.6 million yen, achieved in 2019 for a slightly heavier bluefin tuna. The Toyosu Fish Market, a global hub for fish sales since its opening in 1935, is distinguished for its early morning tuna auctions, reflecting both tradition and culinary delicacies.
In addition to tuna, the auction also showcased Hokkaido sea urchins that sold for a landmark 7 million yen, further indicating the thriving seafood market in Japan, which is simultaneously facing challenges surrounding sustainable fishing practices and the impact of climate change on marine life.
