The Onodera Group has acquired a massive 276kg bluefin tuna for 207 million yen ($1.3 million), marking the second highest price in recent years at the Toyosu Fish Market. The prized catch is set to be served across its Michelin-starred establishments, amplifying the restaurant's tradition of bidding for the finest tuna each year.
Tokyo Sushi Restaurateurs Secure Record Bluefin Tuna for $1.3M
Tokyo Sushi Restaurateurs Secure Record Bluefin Tuna for $1.3M
A giant bluefin tuna, weighing as much as a motorbike, has been sold to Tokyo restaurant owners for a staggering price during New Year auctions.
In a remarkable turn of events at the Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo, sushi restaurateurs have forked out an astonishing 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million) for a bluefin tuna, which weighs a hefty 276kg (608 pounds) and is comparable in size to a motorbike. This sale marks the second highest price at the renowned new year auction, underscoring the significance of sushi culture in Japan.
The Onodera Group, which emerged victorious with the top bid, announced that this prized bluefin will be featured at its prestigious Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants, as well as across its Nadaman chains throughout the nation. Shinji Nagao, an official for the Onodera Group, reflected on the traditional importance of the first tuna of the year, stating, "The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune." Following the auction, he expressed hopes that diners would enjoy the tuna, caught in the Aomori region, and experience a wonderful year ahead.
This celebration of sushi tradition is notable as the Onodera Group has been the top bidder in the Ichiban Tuna auction for five consecutive years. Last year, they acquired the top tuna for 114 million yen. However, the record for the highest auction price remains with a 278kg bluefin tuna sold for 333.6 million yen in 2019 to Kiyoshi Kimura, known as Japan's "Tuna King."
In addition to tuna, the auction featured a variety of seafood, including Hokkaido sea urchins, with one fetching a remarkable 7 million yen, illustrating the vibrant fish market's diverse offerings. The Toyosu fish market, which has been operational since 1935, is celebrated as the largest fish market globally, renowned for its pre-dawn tuna auctions that attract attention from restaurateurs and seafood lovers alike.
