In a remarkable event at Tokyo’s famed fish market, sushi entrepreneur Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King,” made headlines by acquiring a giant bluefin tuna for a staggering 510.3 million yen (approximately £2.4 million). This historic purchase marks the highest price ever recorded for such a fish since records began in 1999, surpassing the previous record of 333.6 million yen paid for a 278kg specimen in 2019.
The prized tuna, weighing 243kg (536lbs), was caught off the northern coast of Japan and auctioned at the pre-dawn event that kickstarts the new year. Kimura expressed his surprise at the auction’s outcome, stating he anticipated a slightly lower price but watched as bidding escalated rapidly. “I hope that by eating auspicious tuna, as many people as possible will feel energised,” he remarked, highlighting the cultural significance of consuming tuna during the New Year.
Shortly following the auction, the fish was skillfully butchered and transformed into sushi for Kimura’s restaurant chain, with rolls introduced at around 500 yen (£2.40) each. Diners at Kimura’s establishments indulged in the exquisite dish, celebrating the start of the year with this luxurious offering. “I feel like I’ve begun the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious,” said 19-year-old Minami Sugiyama, one of the customers enjoying the delicacy.
Kiyoshi Nishimura, a 40-year-old Shinto priest dining alongside Sugiyama, echoed this sentiment. “Even without dipping it in soy sauce, there’s sweetness. And the richness, the texture – it just makes you feel happy,” he shared, emphasizing the pleasure derived from the high-quality fish.
This year’s auction stands in stark contrast to previous years during the pandemic when new year tunas fetched only a fraction of their typical prices due to reduced restaurant operations. The revival in prices indicates a resurgence in dining and celebration as normalcy returns. As the Tuna King ushers in the new year with his record-breaking purchase, both he and his patrons seem to take joy in the vibrant flavors and cultural traditions surrounding this beloved delicacy.
