April 3, 2025 4:53 am
Full News

Tokyo Sushi Restaurateurs Shell Out $1.3 Million for a Motorbike-Sized Bluefin Tuna in New Year’s Auction


In an event that underscores the luxury and tradition of Japanese cuisine, Tokyo’s sushi aficionados have set a new benchmark by purchasing a colossal bluefin tuna for ¥207 million ($1.3 million; £1 million) at the annual New Year’s auction held at Toyosu Fish Market. This sale marks the second highest price ever recorded for a tuna at this prestigious auction.
The tuna in question, a magnificent 276kg (608lb) bluefin, is roughly the size and weight of a motorbike, which gives a vivid picture of its enormity. The winning bid was secured by the Onodera Group, who intend to distribute this prized catch across their Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera sushi restaurants as well as their Nadaman establishments across Japan.

Shinji Nagao, an official from the Onodera Group, spoke to the press after the auction, highlighting the cultural significance of the purchase. “The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune,” he stated, according to AFP. He further expressed his hopes that diners would enjoy this special tuna, caught in the waters off Aomori in northern Japan, and thereby usher in a “wonderful year”. This sentiment reflects the deep-rooted belief in Japan that the first catch of the year can set a positive tone for the months ahead.
The Onodera Group has now claimed the title for the top bid at the Ichiban Tuna auction for five consecutive years, showcasing their dominance and commitment to offering the highest quality sushi to their patrons. Last year, they paid ¥114 million for the top tuna, indicating a significant jump in price this year, which can be attributed to the size, quality, and the symbolic value of the first tuna auctioned in the new year.
The record for the highest auction price since records have been meticulously kept since 1999 stands at ¥333.6 million, paid in 2019 for a slightly heavier 278kg bluefin by Kiyoshi Kimura, famously known as Japan’s “Tuna King” and owner of the Sushi Zanmai chain of restaurants. This comparison underscores the exceptional value and prestige associated with securing the first tuna of the year at Toyosu.

Toyosu Fish Market, which succeeded the iconic Tsukiji Market in 2018, though it was established in 1935, proudly claims to be the world’s largest fish market. It is renowned not only for its size but for its vibrant pre-dawn auctions where tuna, in particular, draws significant attention due to its flavor and the skill required in its preparation.
However, the auction was not solely about tuna; other marine delicacies also fetched remarkable prices. Hokkaido sea urchins, known for their rich, creamy texture, also caught the spotlight with a sale price of ¥7 million, setting a new record according to the Japan Times. This showcases the diversity and high demand for quality seafood at Toyosu, where the auctions serve as a cultural event as much as an economic activity.

This annual event at Toyosu is more than just a commercial transaction; it’s a celebration of culinary tradition, a testament to the skill of Japanese fishermen, and a harbinger of prosperity. The exorbitant prices reflect not only the scarcity and quality of the catch but also the cultural significance of starting the year with the best that the ocean offers, promising good fortune, health, and prosperity to all who partake in this ancient ritual of dining.

Related News
Switzerland Halts Aid to Bangladesh
Exciting Update for Daisy Ridley’s Star Wars Movie
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol Faces Arrest as Warrant Deadline Looms
NASA’s Spending Under Scrutiny as Elon Musk’s Efficiency Panel Steps In
Zendaya Calms Robert Pattinson’s Nerves Over Intense Scene
Europe Does Not Want Peace in Ukraine: Russia
Related Posts
Drought in Kenya: Girls Being ‘Sold’ into Marriage to Prevent Starvation
Myanmar Junta May Gain Diplomatic Advantage from Devastating Earthquake
Tulip Siddiq Accuses Bangladesh Authorities of False Allegations and Media Smear Campaign
Gold Prices Rise After Trump’s New Tariff Plan Announcement
Putin Calls for 160,000 More Troops in Russian Army Amid Ongoing Conflict
Bangladesh’s Bizarre Ride on the Donkey’s Back
More News

A Day-long Strike Has Been Observed in Bangladesh

In Bangladesh, a nationwide strike has been observed in protest of rising commodity prices and the suppression of Awami League leaders and activists. From early Saturday morning, Awami League activists in various parts of the country participated in the strike. In Barguna, picketing in support of the strike was observed on Sadar Road. In the […]

Bangladesh’s Anti-Graft Commission Targets Sheikh Hasina and Family Members

Dhaka, January 13, 2025 – Bangladesh’s anti-graft commission has filed cases against ousted leader Sheikh Hasina and her family, including a British government minister and a senior UN official, its chief said on January 13. Ms. Hasina, 77, fled a revolution in August 2024 to neighboring India, where she has defied extradition requests from Bangladesh […]

Samantha Morton Joins Star-Studded Cast of Nolan’s ‘The Odyssey’

Academy Award-nominated actress Samantha Morton has been added to the already impressive ensemble cast of Christopher Nolan’s upcoming film ‌‘The Odyssey’. Based on the epic poem by Homer, the movie is set to bring the mythic tale to life on the big screen using cutting-edge IMAX technology. Morton, known for her standout performances in ‘In […]

How Russia, China and Iran Are Influencing the Presidential Election

Eight years after Russia interfered in the 2016 presidential election, foreign influence on American voters has become more advanced. This could significantly impact the 2024 election. In 2016, Russia spread inflammatory posts online, often filled with spelling mistakes and awkward phrases. These posts aimed to grab attention at all costs. One post claimed, “Hillary is […]

Trump Announces Military Aid for Ukraine Again

After agreeing to a 30-day ceasefire with Russia, the United States has decided to resume military aid to Ukraine. This announcement was made after a meeting between U.S. and Ukrainian officials in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Tuesday (March 11). U.S. President Donald Trump has also invited Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to the White House for […]

BRICS Not Interested in Reducing US Dollar Dominance, Claims India

BRICS countries have no plans or interest in weakening the U.S. dollar, according to India’s Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar. He made this statement during an event in Doha, Qatar, on Saturday, December 7. The news was reported by the British news agency Reuters.Jaishankar’s comments came in the context of threats made by newly elected U.S. […]

Chebet smashes own women’s 5km world record

Double Olympic champion Beatrice Chebet crowned a golden year as she smashed the women’s 5,000m world record at the Cursa dels Nassos road race in Barcelona.The 24-year-old Kenyan finished the race in 13 minutes and 54 seconds to become the first woman to break the 14-minute barrier in the event.Chebet, who won 5,000m and 10,000m […]

Harris and Trump’s final promise to the folks before the US election

 U. S. presidential Candidates – Kamala Harris and the Republican contender Donald Trump recently delivered their final addresses to the American people. Addressing the significance of the election, Kamala Harris stated, it is a choice between freedom and chaos. She urged the American citizens to create the next chapter of a remarkable story. Harris further slammed her opponent Trump and said, “Nearly […]

Military Helicopter Crashes in India, 3 Dead

A military helicopter crashed in Porbandar, Gujarat, India, leaving at least three people dead and several others injured. The incident occurred on Sunday morning (January 5), as reported by Indian news outlet Hindustan Times. According to the report, the Advanced Light Helicopter (ALH) operated by the Indian Coast Guard met with the accident during a […]

Anne Hathaway to Star in Joseph Gordon-Levitt’s AI Thriller

Anne Hathaway is set to star in an untitled AI thriller directed by Joseph Gordon-Levitt, produced by T-Street Productions. While plot details are being kept under wraps, the film marks another collaboration between Gordon-Levitt and T-Street, following their successful partnership with Rian Johnson. No word on plot details yet, but we hear Gordon-Levitt wrote the […]