TOKYO, JAPAN - The first tuna auction of the new year has once again captured the world's attention, as the Onodera Group set a new record with the purchase of a stunning bluefin tuna for 207 million yen (approximately $1.3 million) during the auction held at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market.
This sale marks the second-highest price ever recorded at this prestigious event, which has been officially monitored since 1999. The tuna, weighing 276 kilograms and comparable to the size of a motorcycle, received widespread media coverage, highlighting the fierce competition among sushi restaurants to claim the first catch of the year.
The Onodera Group, known for its Michelin-starred establishments, expressed the cultural significance of this purchase. "The first tuna of the year symbolizes good fortune," said Shinji Nagao, spokesperson for Onodera, shortly after the auction. "We hope the world enjoys this tuna and has a wonderful year." This sentiment echoes the long-standing belief within Japanese culture attributing auspicious meaning to the first fish sold at the start of the year.
Last year, the same group spent significantly less, securing the first tuna for 114 million yen, but still fell short of surpassing the current record held by Kiyoshi Kimura, dubbed the self-styled 'King of Tuna.' Kimura famously paid 333.6 million yen for a slightly heavier bluefin tuna, weighing 278 kilograms, during the 2019 auction.
COVID-19 had dampened bidding activities at previous auctions as restaurants were subject to restrictions and patrons were hesitant to dine out. This year's auction, held on January 5, 2025, indicates a resurgence of enthusiasm among buyers, returning to offer significant prices for the prized bluefin.
While the Onodera Group took home the tuna this year, they have been competing for the first auction fish for five consecutive years, increasingly raising their bids to draw media attention and highlight their culinary prowess. "The annual sale exemplifies our dedication to quality and reflects the high market value of bluefin tuna within Japanese dining culture," Nagao remarked.
The winning bid of this year's auction demonstrates the persistent allure of bluefin tuna, which has become synonymous with high esteem and fortune. Buyers not only pay for the fish but also invest in the media spotlight associated with being the first to purchase it. The publicity around the auction offers significant visibility for their businesses.
The competition remains fierce, as Kimura, who has won multiple times, saw his highest bid dwarfed by the iconic bluefin tuna, which still holds the record for the highest price ever paid for a single fish. Experts predict continued interest and potentially higher prices for the next auctions, driven by competitive bidders eager to establish their status and goodwill for the new year.
The auction showcases not only the culinary and economic importance of bluefin tuna but also its cultural resonance as part of Japanese heritage. Enthusiasts await the developments of the next auctions with bated breath, eager to witness what prices the tuna will command.