The first predawn auction of the new year at Tokyo's famed Toyosu fish market has set a staggering new record, with a single bluefin tuna selling for an eye-watering $3.2 million (510 million yen).
A Colossal Catch for a Celebratory Sale
The record-breaking fish, caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, tipped the scales at a massive 535 pounds (243 kilograms). It was the star lot at the enormous annual New Year's auction, an event where prices soar far above the daily norm in a celebratory tradition. Hundreds of tuna are sold daily at the market's early morning auctions, but the Oma catch, renowned for its exceptional quality, commanded a premium.
The Winning Bid and the Sushi Chain Behind It
The top bidder in the fiercely competitive predawn event was Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura. Kimura is the proprietor of the popular Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. Bidders navigated the bustling market floor, walking among rows of massive frozen tuna, under the watchful lens of photographers like the Associated Press's Louise Delmotte, who captured the scale of the event.
What Makes the Oma Tuna So Special?
The specific origin of this tuna is key to its value. The waters off Oma are famous for producing some of the world's finest bluefin, prized by top sushi chefs for their rich fat content and flavour. Securing the first and best tuna of the year is considered a major publicity coup and a sign of prestige for a restaurant group, justifying the monumental price tag for Kiyomura Corp.
While the final price translates to an extraordinary sum per slice, the purchase guarantees headlines and draws customers eager to taste a piece of the record-setting fish. The auction marks a vibrant, if incredibly expensive, start to the year for Japan's seafood and culinary industries.
