On January 5, 2025, the iconic Toyosu Market once again became the center of attention as the annual tuna auction took place, resetting the dawn of the year with record-breaking excitement. This year's highlight was the auction of a magnificent bluefin tuna, weighing 276 kilograms, which fetched the remarkable price of 207 million yen (approximately $1.9 million).
The tuna, sourced from the coastal waters of Aomori, was caught by renowned fisherman Masahiro Takeuchi, who claimed his title as the top tuna fisherman for the eighth time. This notable achievement not only speaks to Takeuchi’s fishing prowess but also signifies the continued excellence of Japan's tuna catch.
According to Aomori television reports, Takeuchi donated 2 million yen to aid earthquake relief efforts shortly after achieving his record catch—a reflection of his commitment to the community affected by the Noto Peninsula earthquake.
The bidding began at 5:10 AM, immediately gaining momentum thanks to auctioneering chants energizing the room. The auctioneer's lively announcements set the stage for what was to become one of the fiercest competitions Toyosu has seen. The auction was not only entertaining but also displayed the cultural significance of the tuna, regarded not only as food but as symbols of luck and prosperity.
This year’s auction has become particularly noteworthy as it marks the second-highest price recorded since 1999, when statistics began tracking these events, second only to the ¥333.6 million bid back in 2019. Last year’s auction concluded with the tuna selling for ¥114.2 million, indicative of the market's resurgence post-COVID-19, leading many to speculate on whether 2025 will continue this upward price trend.
The winning bid was made by the Onodera Group, represented by their CEO, Yuji Onodera. Acknowledging the cooperation of Yamayuki’s president, Takayuki Yamaguchi, Onodera expressed gratitude for their partnership. This collaboration emphasizes not just business interests but also the respect for the fish and its source.
“The first tuna of the year is auspicious. We want to bring smiles to everyone through food,” Yamaguchi commented, reflecting the joy surrounding this annual culinary event.
This prized bluefin tuna will make its way to restaurants across the globe, including esteemed locations like "Sushi Ginza Onodera" and "Kaiten Sushi Ginza Onodera," where it will be enjoyed by diners eager to taste the year’s first catch. Onodera's establishments plan to offer the tuna as part of exclusive course meals as well as through their sushi offerings, with two pieces priced at ¥1,160.
Both the auction and the first tuna hold deep cultural significance: they symbolize the hope and renewal inherent to the New Year, particularly the respect paid to food resources and their origins. The considerable prices achieved for these tunas underline not just the economic aspect but the cultural and social elements woven through Japan's culinary heritage.
With the price surge and growing interest, the tuna market appears vibrant, showcasing Japan's culinary strength on the world stage and asserting its commitment to maintaining sustainable fishing practices. This year’s auction not only highlights the exquisite quality of Aomori’s bluefin but also reminds everyone of the joy food brings and the importance of supporting local communities.
The Toyosu Market will continue to host these renowned auctions, and with each passing year, it draws more attention domestically and internationally, showcasing the magnificence of Japan’s tuna fishery. The upcoming months will certainly be pivotal as restaurants prepare to feature their dishes embellished with this exquisite bluefin tuna, ensuring diners appreciate the rich tradition behind their meals.
While the narratives of individual fisherman and companies emerge from this auction, the essence lies within the collective appreciation for the ocean’s bounty and the sustenance it provides. And as the bells toll for another year, the auction serves as more than just commerce; it becomes part of Japan's identity and resilience.