Bluefin Tuna Sets Record at Tokyo Auction, Fetching $3.2 Million

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Bluefin Tuna Sets Record at Tokyo Auction, Fetching $3.2 Million

Bluefin tuna has made headlines once again after achieving a record price at the Tokyo auction. A hefty bluefin tuna weighing 243 kg was sold for a staggering 510.3 million yen, approximately $3.2 million, during the first auction of the year at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market.

Record-Breaking Auction at Toyosu Fish Market

The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp, the owner of the renowned sushi chain Sushi Zanmai. Kiyoshi Kimura, the president of the company, is a well-known figure in the seafood industry, often dubbed the “Tuna King.” Kimura expressed surprise at the final price, noting that he expected to acquire the fish for a lower amount.

The Price History of Kiyoshi Kimura

2012: Kimura paid 56.5 million yen for a bluefin tuna.
2013: A new record was set with a purchase of 155 million yen.
2019: Another milestone was reached when a bluefin tuna sold for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).

The recent auction is notable for surpassing all previous records. Kimura admitted that he thought he had overbid in the past, but this year’s auction exceeded his expectations.

The Auction Experience

Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market is famous for its lively pre-dawn auctions, which attract both buyers and tourists. The auction began at around 5:00 AM local time, generating excitement among observers and participants alike. Last year, for example, Onodera Group secured a bluefin tuna for 207 million yen.

The freshly auctioned tuna was rapidly transformed into delicious sushi for customers at Kimura’s restaurants. This event marks a tradition where the first tuna of the year symbolizes good fortune.

Customer Reactions

Many patrons were thrilled to enjoy the highly sought-after delicacy. One customer shared, “I feel like I’ve begun the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts.”

With this record-breaking event, the bluefin tuna auction at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market continues to be a focal point for seafood enthusiasts and a symbol of cultural significance.