The Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, renowned as the largest fish market in the world, witnessed another remarkable event during its annual New Year auction. On January 5, 2023, a bluefin tuna weighing 276 kilograms was sold for an astonishing 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million). This sale marked the second highest price ever recorded at this prestigious auction, underscoring the market's significance in the seafood trade.
Each morning, the Toyosu fish market hosts pre-dawn tuna auctions that attract restaurateurs and seafood enthusiasts alike. The competitive nature of these auctions often results in extraordinary prices, as evidenced by the record-breaking sale of Hokkaido sea urchins, which fetched an impressive 7 million yen this year.
The 2023 auction did not surpass the highest auction price on record; that distinction belongs to a bluefin tuna sold in 2019 for 333.6 million yen. The 2019 fish weighed 278 kilograms, making it slightly heavier than this year's catch. This year’s tuna was caught off the coast of Aomori, a region known for its rich fishing grounds.
The winning bid for the tuna came from the Onodera Group, a prominent sushi chain that operates Michelin-starred restaurants, including Ginza Onodera and Nadaman locations throughout Japan. The group has consistently dominated the Ichiban Tuna auction, having secured the top price for five consecutive years.
Shinji Nagao, a representative of the Onodera Group, stated, "The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune." This sentiment reflects a cultural belief in Japan where the first tuna of the year symbolizes prosperity and hope for the months ahead.
Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the self-styled "Tuna King," paid 114 million yen for the top tuna last year, demonstrating the fierce competition among restaurateurs. The latest sale indicates a continued trend of increasing prices for premium seafood at the Toyosu market, which is often likened to a marketplace of dreams for sushi chefs.
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