Tokyo's main fish market witnessed a record-breaking auction yesterday, with renowned sushi entrepreneur Kiyoshi Kimura shelling out a staggering 510.3 million yen - equivalent to £2.4 million - for a colossal 243kg bluefin tuna.
Caught off Japan's northern coast, the prized catch marked the highest price ever paid at comparable data since 1999. The previous record stood at 333.6 million yen for a similar-sized bluefin in 2019, after the market shifted from its traditional Tsukiji location to a more modern facility last year.
Kimura, self-proclaimed "Tuna King," expressed surprise at the escalating prices, stating, "I thought we could buy it cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before I knew it. I'm thrilled that by eating this auspicious tuna, as many people as possible will feel energized."
The extraordinary sale has sent shockwaves through Tokyo's culinary scene, with foodies and locals alike eager to try Kimura's latest offering. The giant bluefin was subsequently butchered and served at one of his restaurants for a mere 500 yen - equivalent to £2.40 - per roll.
For some enthusiasts like Minami Sugiyama, a 19-year-old customer at Kimura's restaurant, the experience was nothing short of transcendent. "I feel like I've begun the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts," she said with a smile. Fellow diner Kiyoshi Nishimura, a 40-year-old Shinto priest, echoed her sentiments, describing the tuna's sweetness and richness as an unadulterated joy.
However, it's worth noting that this record-breaking sale marks a departure from previous pandemic-affected years when new year tunas commanded significantly lower prices due to reduced restaurant operations.
Caught off Japan's northern coast, the prized catch marked the highest price ever paid at comparable data since 1999. The previous record stood at 333.6 million yen for a similar-sized bluefin in 2019, after the market shifted from its traditional Tsukiji location to a more modern facility last year.
Kimura, self-proclaimed "Tuna King," expressed surprise at the escalating prices, stating, "I thought we could buy it cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before I knew it. I'm thrilled that by eating this auspicious tuna, as many people as possible will feel energized."
The extraordinary sale has sent shockwaves through Tokyo's culinary scene, with foodies and locals alike eager to try Kimura's latest offering. The giant bluefin was subsequently butchered and served at one of his restaurants for a mere 500 yen - equivalent to £2.40 - per roll.
For some enthusiasts like Minami Sugiyama, a 19-year-old customer at Kimura's restaurant, the experience was nothing short of transcendent. "I feel like I've begun the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts," she said with a smile. Fellow diner Kiyoshi Nishimura, a 40-year-old Shinto priest, echoed her sentiments, describing the tuna's sweetness and richness as an unadulterated joy.
However, it's worth noting that this record-breaking sale marks a departure from previous pandemic-affected years when new year tunas commanded significantly lower prices due to reduced restaurant operations.
. On one hand, it's insane to think someone paid £2.4 million for a bloody fish! I mean, what's next? A £10 million sushi dinner party? 
But at the same time, I get why Kiyoshi Kimura would splurge – it's a once-in-a-lifetime catch and he's basically putting his reputation on the line.
. Bluefin tuna is already an endangered species, and we shouldn't be encouraging people to shell out top dollar for something that might be contributing to its decline. Still, I guess if it inspires more people to try sustainable seafood options... maybe it's a good thing? 
It's cool that the tuna was served at such an affordable price per roll too - 500 yen is not bad at all! 
. Maybe it's just a Tokyo thing? 
Anyway, this record-breaking sale has definitely got me curious - who knows what other culinary surprises 2025 will bring? 
I'm freaking out over the price of this bluefin tuna! £2.4 million is insane 
But I guess if you're a sushi tycoon like Kiyoshi Kimura, it's just another day at the office 
. I mean, I love a good piece of sashimi as much as the next person 
! Maybe it's time for me to level up my sushi game 
️ #SushiGameStrong #TunaTuesday #BluefinBling 
i mean, I get why people are excited about trying it, but 500 yen per roll is like, woah! my bank account says otherwise 
510.3 million yen is insane!!! I'm living for the 'Tuna King' Kiyoshi Kimura's latest offering - that bluefin tuna was cooked to perfection 
! I feel like I've been transported to a whole new level of culinary heaven, you guys 
. Can we talk about how Japan's fish market is giving us all the feels? 
That 500 yen per roll is literally a steal... or should I say, a heavenly bargain? 
- like who needs normal food prices, right? 
