In brief
In a remarkable auction at the Toyosu Fish Market in Tokyo, sushi restaurateurs have secured a hefty bluefin tuna for 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million). This sale marks the second-highest price ever recorded during the annual New Year auction at the renowned fish market. The Onodera Group emerged victorious with a winning bid for the enormous fish, which weighs about 276 kg (608 lbs) and is comparable in size to a motorbike.
Shinji Nagao, an official from the Onodera Group, stated that the tuna would be featured at their Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurants and Nadaman locations nationwide, emphasizing the cultural significance of the first tuna of the year, which is traditionally viewed as a harbinger of good fortune.After the auction, the first tuna was ceremoniously prepared, as Nagao expressed hopes that diners enjoy the fish, caught off the northern Aomori coast, and experience a prosperous year. The Onodera Group has consistently topped the Ichiban Tuna auction for the past five years, having previously paid 114 million yen for last year's top tuna.The Toyosu Fish Market, which has been operational since 1935, is celebrated for holding the world's largest fish market and is particularly famous for its early-morning tuna auctions. Additionally, it was noted that Hokkaido sea urchins also made headlines during the auction, selling for a striking 7 million yen, highlighting the vibrant seafood trade in Japan.
