Record-breaking bluefin tuna fetches $1.3m at Tokyo’s Toyosu market

The 608-pound tuna commanded the second-highest cost ever recorded at the action.

A bluefin tuna weighing 608 pounds (275 kilograms) was sold for a staggering 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million) at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market on Sunday. This marks the second-highest price ever recorded since the auction began tracking data in 1999.

Co-purchase by Onodera Group and Yamayuki

The prized fish was jointly purchased by Michelin-starred sushi chain operator Onodera Group and seafood wholesaler Yamayuki. The hefty price underscores the significance of the first auction of the year, which is believed to bring good fortune.

Catching the “Motorcycle-Sized” Tuna

The bluefin tuna was caught by Masahiro Takeuchi, a 73-year-old fisherman who described the catch as “as fat as a cow.” Reflecting on his career, Takeuchi shared his joy, saying, “It’s like a dream. I’m always worried about how many more years I can do this job, but I’m incredibly happy.”

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A Tradition of Winning

The Onodera Group has been a dominant bidder, securing the top auction spot for the past five years. Shinji Nagao, President of Onodera Group, expressed his hopes for the symbolic first tuna of the year, stating, “Our hope is that by eating this tuna everyone will have a good year.”

Historical Context

The most expensive tuna on record was sold for $3.1 million (333.6 million yen) in 2019, weighing slightly more at 278 kilograms (around 612 pounds).

The auction, a significant event in Japan’s fishing industry, first opened its doors in 1935, making it a longstanding tradition that continues to draw global attention.

The annual auction not only highlights the cultural importance of bluefin tuna in Japan but also underscores the economic impact of this highly valued fish in the global seafood market.