At An Auction, a 525-pound bluefin tuna was sold. Guess the price!
The most expensive huge bluefin tuna sold on the first day of business in 2024 at Tokyo’s largest fish market, the cost of the bluefin is 114.2 million ($788,440) in an auction for what is considered an auspicious fish that has become a New Year’s ritual.
The tuna weighed 238 kilos and was sold on Friday to seafood wholesaler Yamayuki and sushi chain operator Onodera Group, a team that has won the top fish for four years in a row.
According to Hiroki Matsushita, a fish market spokesman, the price of the gigantic tuna was more than three times the amount offered last year in the sale at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, and the fourth highest since records began in 1999. If we were going to do it, we wanted to win, Yukitaka Yamaguchi, president of Yamayuki, stated over the phone while cutting the fish.
The prized tuna taken off the coast of Aomori Prefecture will be served at the Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Onodera in Tokyo’s posh Ginza neighborhood. The price of tuna has risen to its greatest level since the COVID-19 pandemic. It comes several months after virus restrictions were dropped and at a time when eateries are overflowing.
According to the Japan National Tourism Organization, the number of international visitors to Japan has recovered to pre-pandemic levels, surpassing 2 million for six consecutive months. Still, domestic demand is shaky, as the country had its sharpest fall in GDP since the pandemic in the third quarter. The price of tuna this year is still much below the 2019 high of 333.6 million.
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Tokyo’s Largest Fish Market Witnesses Record-breaking Sale of 525-pound Bluefin Tuna
In an astonishing turn of events at Tokyo’s largest fish market, a gigantic bluefin tuna weighing 525 pounds was sold for a jaw-dropping price. The highly sought-after fish, weighing 238 kilos, fetched a staggering amount of 114.2 million yen ($788,440) in an auction that has become a traditional New Year’s ritual. This marks the fourth consecutive victory for seafood wholesaler Yamayuki and sushi chain operator Onodera Group, who have solidified their position as the champions of the top fish.
The sale price of this colossal tuna surpassed all expectations, surpassing the previous year’s bid at the Toyosu fish market by over three times. It now stands as the fourth-highest amount paid for a bluefin tuna since records began in 1999. If we were going to participate, we wanted to emerge victorious, exclaimed Yukitaka Yamaguchi, president of Yamayuki, as he carved the prized fish.
The winning bidder, seafood wholesaler Yamayuki, and renowned sushi chain operator Onodera Group are delighted to acquire this illustrious bluefin tuna. Harvested off the coast of Aomori Prefecture, the fish, having reached such a monumental price, will be served exclusively at Onodera, the prestigious Michelin-starred sushi restaurant located in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza neighborhood.
This remarkable sales record comes at a time when the price of tuna is soaring, reaching its highest level since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. With the easing of virus restrictions and a resurgence in international tourist numbers, Japan has witnessed a steady recovery, welcoming over 2 million visitors consecutively for six months, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization. However, domestic demand remains uncertain, as the country faced a significant decline in GDP during the third quarter—a stark reminder of the persisting economic challenges. Nevertheless, this year’s tuna price, while still below the record-breaking 333.6 million yen achieved in 2019, demonstrates the market’s enduring vibrancy.
With its blend of intrigue, fierce competition, and astronomical sums, the auction of the 525-pound bluefin tuna has captivated the attention of seafood enthusiasts and culinary connoisseurs alike. As the world continues to grapple with the uncertainties brought about by the pandemic, such events serve as reminders of the enduring power of tradition and the ability of rare delicacies to transcend their monetary value.
With the dramatic sale of the colossal bluefin tuna, Tokyo’s fish market once again cements its status as a global hub for extraordinary culinary experiences that define Japanese culture and captivate the world’s imagination.
Note: Due to the extraordinary nature of this event, it is advisable to exercise caution and approach the subject matter responsibly when discussing the exorbitant prices paid for such seafood commodities, as they may raise concerns regarding environmental sustainability and income inequality.
