A Japanese sushi restaurant has made headlines by paying a staggering 510 million yen (approximately $4.9 million) for a single bluefin tuna. This transaction marks the highest price ever recorded at the annual New Year auction held at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market. The prized fish weighed in at 243 kilograms and was purchased by Kiyomura Corp, the operator of the well-known sushi restaurant chain, Sushizanmai.
Record-Breaking Bid Reflects Economic Optimism
Kiyoshi Kimura, the chief of Kiyomura Corp and widely recognized as the “Tuna King,” expressed hopes that this bold investment would boost the economy and inspire positivity among the public. “I hope the economy will get better this year. The Takaichi administration pledged to work, work, work, so Sushizanmai will work, work, work too,” Kimura stated, referring to the administration of Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi, who took office just four months ago. He added, “I hope this bid will cheer everyone up.”
The latest auction bid surpassed Kimura’s own previous record of 333.6 million yen set in 2019. Initially, he anticipated that the winning bid might fall between 300 million and 400 million yen. “It turned out to be over 500 million,” he commented to reporters following the auction.
The giant tuna was transported to Sushizanmai’s main branch, where it was sliced and distributed to the restaurant chain’s locations across Japan. Despite the eye-watering price tag, Kimura confirmed that the tuna dishes would be sold at the usual price for customers.
Significance of the Bluefin Tuna
The bluefin tuna, known for its quality, was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, a region celebrated for producing some of the finest tuna in the country. The cost of the fish is approximately 2.1 million yen (around $20,000) per kilogram. Kimura remarked, “It’s in part for good luck. But when I see a good looking tuna, I cannot resist. I haven’t sampled it yet, but it’s got to be delicious.”
While hundreds of tuna are auctioned daily, prices for Oma tuna tend to soar, especially during the New Year auction, which is a festive occasion in Japan. The Pacific bluefin tuna, traditionally a popular choice for sushi and sashimi, faced threats due to climate change and overfishing. However, recent conservation efforts have led to a recovery in its stock, bringing some relief to fisheries and consumers alike.
This record-breaking purchase highlights not only Kiyomura Corp’s commitment to quality but also the cultural significance of tuna in Japan’s culinary landscape. As the company prepares to serve this extraordinary fish, it simultaneously embraces its role in promoting local traditions and supporting sustainable practices in the fishing industry.
