In a stunning display of culinary extravagance, top sushi restaurateurs splashed out an astonishing $1.3 million for a single bluefin tuna at Tokyo’s prestigious annual new year fish auction. The massive 276-kilogram (608-pound) fish, roughly the size of a motorcycle, commanded the second-highest price ever recorded in the market’s history.
Onodera Group Nets The Prized Catch
The victorious bidders were none other than the Onodera Group, a collective of Michelin-starred sushi restaurants. Undeterred by the staggering price tag, they eagerly shelled out 207 million yen to secure the colossal tuna, cementing their status as the auction’s top buyers for the fifth consecutive year.
“The first tuna is something meant to bring in good fortune. Our wish is that people will eat this and have a wonderful year.”
– Shinji Nagao, Onodera Group official
The restaurateurs view their record-breaking purchase as more than just a publicity stunt. According to Onodera official Shinji Nagao, the inaugural tuna of the year is a symbol of good fortune, one they hope will be savored by diners as an auspicious start to the new year.
A Weighty Price For A Hefty Fish
While this year’s winning bid was undeniably jaw-dropping, it still fell short of the all-time record set in 2019. That year, self-proclaimed “Tuna King” Kiyoshi Kimura of the Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain stunned onlookers by paying an eye-watering 333.6 million yen for a comparably sized 278-kilogram bluefin.
- 2025 winning bid: 207 million yen ($1.3 million) for 276 kg tuna
- All-time record: 333.6 million yen for 278 kg tuna in 2019
The stratospheric prices commanded by these oceanic giants underscore the enduring allure and cultural significance of bluefin tuna in Japan. For top sushi chefs, securing the year’s inaugural catch is a matter of honor, prestige, and tradition.
Pandemic’s Impact On Tuna Prices
The Covid-19 pandemic dealt a heavy blow to the usually frenzied new year tuna auctions. With public dining discouraged and restaurants operating under strict limitations, the top bids for these prized fish plummeted to a fraction of their pre-pandemic heights.
As Japan gradually emerges from the shadow of the global health crisis, the resurgence of big-spending tuna aficionados at Tokyo’s iconic fish market signals a welcome return to normalcy. The record-breaking bid by the Onodera Group is a testament to the resilience and enduring passion of Japan’s culinary culture.
A Timeless Tradition Continues
For generations, the first tuna auction of the year has been a cherished ritual in Tokyo, drawing worldwide attention and fierce bidding wars among the city’s elite restaurateurs. The event’s recent move from the famed Tsukiji market to the gleaming new Toyosu facility has done little to dampen the enthusiasm and competitive spirit of its participants.
As the hammer fell on this year’s winning bid, the Onodera Group once again etched its name into the annals of Tokyo’s gastronomic history. Their $1.3 million tuna will undoubtedly take center stage on the menus of their exclusive sushi restaurants, offering diners a once-in-a-lifetime taste of culinary excellence and extravagance.
In a world often preoccupied with austerity and restraint, the sheer audacity and spectacle of Tokyo’s annual tuna auction serve as a reminder of the enduring power of tradition, craftsmanship, and the unrelenting pursuit of perfection. As long as there are connoisseurs willing to pay top dollar for the finest fish, this storied event will continue to captivate and inspire for generations to come.
