‘Tuna King’ Sets Record with £2.4M Bluefin Purchase at Tokyo Auction

Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King,” has set a remarkable record by purchasing a bluefin tuna for 510.3 million yen, equivalent to £2.4 million. This purchase took place during a high-profile auction at Tokyo’s main fish market.

Record-Breaking Tuna Purchase

The massive bluefin weighed 243 kilograms (536 pounds) and was caught off the northern coast of Japan. Kimura expressed his surprise at the auction price, admitting he hoped to pay less. “I was surprised at the price,” he said. “I hope that by eating auspicious tuna, as many people as possible will feel energized.”

Historical Context

This purchase marks the highest price ever recorded since data collection began in 1999. The previous record was set in 2019, when a 278-kilogram bluefin sold for 333.6 million yen. This auction followed the fish market’s relocation from the traditional Tsukiji area to a modern facility, impacting the bidding dynamics.

• 2023 Record Price: 510.3 million yen (£2.4 million)
• Tuna Weight: 243 kg (536 lbs)
• Previous Record (2019): 333.6 million yen for a 278 kg tuna
• Last Year’s Top Bid: 207 million yen for a 276 kg fish

Preparation and Customer Reactions

Following the auction, the tuna was skillfully butchered and served in Kimura’s restaurants. Sushi rolls prepared from this record-breaking catch were offered at approximately 500 yen (£2.40) each. Diners expressed delight in the product, with 19-year-old Minami Sugiyama stating, “I feel like I’ve begun the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious.”

Kiyoshi Nishimura, a 40-year-old Shinto priest, praised the sushi for its natural sweetness and rich texture, saying it brought happiness. The tuna auction traditionally commands high prices, but recent years have seen a decline due to the pandemic, which significantly affected restaurant operations.

Conclusion

Kimura’s record-breaking purchase not only reflects the ongoing fascination with bluefin tuna in Japan but also highlights the unique intersection of culinary culture and economic trends in the region.