A 276kg bluefin tuna sold for 207 million yen (£1.2m) at the annual New Year’s auction in Tokyo, marking the second-highest price ever. The Onodera Group, a Michelin-starred sushi restaurant chain, won the bid for the massive fish.
Tradition and significance
Weighing as much as a motorbike, the tuna became the first fish auctioned at Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market. This tradition has become a symbolic and commercial highlight in Japan. The auction reflects both cultural beliefs and a competitive business environment.
Onodera’s spokesperson, Shinji Nagao, explained: “The first tuna of the year is believed to bring good fortune. We hope it brings a prosperous year for everyone who enjoys it.”
Auction details and trends
The Onodera Group has now secured the top bid for five consecutive years. This year’s price is more than double the 114 million yen (£660,000) spent in 2024. However, it still does not surpass the 2019 record, when Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King,” purchased a similar tuna for 333.6 million yen (£2m).
The auction continues to be a major event in Tokyo’s culinary calendar. Held annually, it takes place at the Toyosu market, which replaced the iconic Tsukiji market in 2019. Buyers compete not only for the tuna but for the media attention that comes with it.
Post-Pandemic recovery
The 2025 auction price signals a recovery in the hospitality sector. During the pandemic, prices dropped as dining restrictions impacted the restaurant industry. With more optimism this year, the demand for premium sushi is on the rise again.
Bluefin tuna is famous for its delicate texture and rich flavour, making it a high-end delicacy in Japan. Though largely ceremonial, the auction offers prestige to those who secure the top bids.
