At Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, a giant 276-kilogram bluefin tuna, comparable in size and weight to a motorbike, was sold for 207 million yen ($1.3 million).
It was secured by the Onodera Group, a Michelin-starred sushi chain renowned for its premium dining experience.
The annual New Year’s tuna auction is one of Japan’s most iconic culinary traditions. Winning the year’s first auction is believed to bring good fortune, making it a highly competitive event. The Onodera Group claimed the top bid for the fifth consecutive year, doubling last year’s winning price of 114 million yen ($660,000). However, the 2024 bid still falls short of the 2019 record of 333.6 million yen ($2 million), paid by Kiyoshi Kimura, famously dubbed the “Tuna King.”
Bluefin tuna is prized for its rich flavour and delicate texture. It holds a special place in Japanese cuisine. Beyond its culinary value, securing the top bid is seen as a status symbol. Restaurateurs use the spotlight to showcase their expertise, attract customers, and build their brand’s prestige.
“The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune,” Onodera official Shinji Nagao told reporters after the auction, as the news agency AFP reported.
This year’s high bid reflects a strong post-pandemic recovery in Japan’s mining industry. During COVID-19, prices at the auction dropped as restrictions on dining out hit restaurants hard. The renewed enthusiasm among buyers highlights growing confidence in the restaurant sector and the global demand for high-quality sushi. The New Year tuna auction is more than a business transaction; it celebrates Japanese culture, tradition, and the artistry of sushi. For the Onodera Group, this win reinforces their position as leaders in the culinary world, offering customers a meal and a taste of history.
