April 2, 2025 1:37 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
Catholics in Indonesia’s Aceh Celebrate Muted Christmas Amid Islamic Law
Russian Man Sentenced to 14 Years for Treason After Earlier Quran-Burning Conviction
India Leans on Modi-Trump Relationship to Steer Future Ties with U.S. Amid Potential Trade, Immigration Tensions
Elon Musk Claims $44 Billion Was the Price of Restoring Free Speech on Twitter
The Great Los Angeles Evacuation: A Test of Resilience Amidst the Flames
Four Bangladeshi-Americans Celebrate Landmark Wins in U.S. State Elections
Related Posts
The Rise of Islamist Extremism in Bangladesh: Political Instability and Global Influences
Bangladesh at a Crossroads: The Rise of Religious Conservatism Amid Political Transition
U.S. to Honor Controversial Bangladeshi Protesters, Sparks Debate
State Dept: No Recipient to Accept Madeleine Albright Group Award at IWOC
Are Farzana Rupa, Shakil Ahmed, and Other Seasoned Journalists’ Cases Finally Getting Congressional Attention?
Iran-U.S. Relations: A Timeline of Tensions and Turning Points
More News

Trump Designates Houthis as Foreign Terrorist Organizations

US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order designating Yemen’s Houthis as a “foreign terrorist organization”. He signed the order on Wednesday. The Houthis are primarily Iranian-backed armed groups. Yemen’s northwestern region is under Houthi control. The Houthis frequently attack US vessels in the region’s waters. Signing the executive order, Trump said yesterday that […]

Martial Law Withdrawn After Hours of Controversy in South Korea

Amid opposition from members of parliament, South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol announced the sudden imposition of martial law late at night but retracted it within hours. This was reported by AFP, BBC, and Al Jazeera on Wednesday, December 4. According to Al Jazeera, President Yoon stated that martial law would be repealed following a parliamentary […]

Vinny-Rodrigo Say ‘No’ to Saudi Arabia’s Billion-Dollar Offer

A lot of money or glory – which way will Vinicius walk? Everyone was waiting to know his decision on it. In the midst of that wait came new news. With Neymar gone, Al Hilal now want Rodrygo to fill his void. That is, Saudi football wants two stars of Real Madrid. That’s why the […]

Historical March 7th Speech: The Formation of Bangladesh

Engineer M. HossainFellow of the Institution of Engineers, Bangladesh On March 2, 1971, the flag of Bangladesh was raised by students at Dhaka University, a moment that echoed the courage and determination of the Bengali people in their demand for independence and their assertion of Bengali identity against an oppressive regime. Despite the imposition of […]

Trump’s Defense Secretary Nominee Faces Scrutiny Over Sexual Assault Allegations and Settlement

President-elect Donald Trump’s pick for Secretary of Defense, Pete Hegseth, reportedly paid a settlement to a woman who accused him of sexual assault in an incident dating back to October 2017. Hegseth denies the allegations, claiming the encounter in Monterey, California, was consensual, according to his attorney. Local authorities confirmed that an investigation into “an […]

Cineworld Shuts 6 More Cinemas in the UK, Total Closures Reach 11

Cineworld has announced that six more of its movie theaters in the UK will close, bringing the total number of closures for 2024 to 11. This follows the shutdown of five cinemas in October. The six cinemas that will close are located in Castleford, Leigh, Middlesbrough, Northampton, Poole, and Weymouth. Weymouth will close on December […]

Apple’s AI-Powered iPhone 16 Sees Varied Sales Across Markets

Apple’s latest iPhone 16 models are seeing mixed sales performances across different regions, and Apple CEO Tim Cook suggests that the company’s AI platform, Apple Intelligence, plays a significant role in this discrepancy. In a recent interview with CNBC, Cook highlighted that markets where Apple Intelligence has been rolled out are experiencing stronger iPhone 16 […]

First Look: Matt Damon as Odysseus in Nolan’s The Odyssey

Christopher Nolan’s highly anticipated epic The Odyssey has just revealed its first look at Matt Damon in the lead role, and fans of both the filmmaker and the actor are already buzzing with excitement. Following the massive success of Oppenheimer, Nolan and Damon have teamed up once again for this epic reimagining of Homer’s timeless […]

Canada’s Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland Resigns Over Dispute with Trudeau on Trump’s Tariff Threats

Chrystia Freeland Canada’s Finance Minister and Deputy Prime Minister, has resigned amid disagreements with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau over how to address the looming tariff threats posed by incoming U.S. President Donald Trump. In her resignation letter, released on Monday, Freeland highlighted differences on economic strategies to counter Trump’s “aggressive economic nationalism,” which she described […]

US Intelligence Chief’s ‘Islamic Caliphate’ Comment on Bangladesh Crisis

The United States has expressed deep concern over the situation in Bangladesh, particularly regarding the persecution of religious minorities, according to US Intelligence Chief Tulsi Gabbard. In an exclusive interview with NDTV World, Gabbard highlighted the long-standing mistreatment, violence, and discrimination faced by Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and other minority communities in Bangladesh. She stated that […]