A Japanese sushi restaurant has made history by paying a record price for a bluefin tuna at Tokyo’s annual New Year auction. The auction was held at the Toyosu fish market, a major seafood trading hub in the Japanese capital.
The single bluefin tuna was sold for 510 million yen, equal to about $3.24 million. This is the highest price ever recorded at the New Year tuna auction. The event attracts buyers, media, and seafood lovers every year.
The tuna weighed 243 kilograms, or about 536 pounds. It was purchased by Kiyomura Corp, a Japanese company that operates the popular Sushizanmai sushi restaurant chain. The company is well known for placing bold bids at the annual auction.
Kiyomura Corp is led by Kiyoshi Kimura, often called the “Tuna King.” He said the high bid was meant to spread optimism. He expressed hope that the purchase would help lift public mood and signal confidence in the economy.
Kimura also referred to Japan’s new leadership. He mentioned Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader, whose government is just over two months old. He said his company would continue working hard, echoing the administration’s focus on economic recovery.
The record bid easily beat Kiyomura’s own previous high. In 2019, the company paid 333.6 million yen for a bluefin tuna. Kimura admitted he expected a lower price this year. He said he thought the final amount would stay below 400 million yen.
After the auction, the tuna was transported to Sushizanmai’s main branch in Tokyo. It was then carefully sliced and distributed to the chain’s restaurants across the country. Despite the high cost, the company said customers would be served the tuna at regular prices.
The annual auction is seen as a symbol of hope for the seafood industry. It also highlights the cultural importance of tuna in Japanese cuisine. Each year, the event sets the tone for the seafood market.
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This year’s sale has drawn global attention. It reflects both strong demand and the continued tradition of celebration at Japan’s iconic fish market.
