The priciest giant bluefin tuna sold at Tokyo’s biggest fish market on the first day of business in 2024 fetched ¥114.2 million ($788,440), in an auction for what is considered an auspicious fish that has become a Japanese New Year’s tradition.
The tuna weighed 238 kilograms (525 pounds) and was sold Friday to seafood wholesaler Yamayuki and sushi chain operator Onodera Group — a team that has been the winning bidder of the top fish for four straight years.
The highly valued tuna caught off the coast of Aomori prefecture is set to be served at the Michelin-starred sushi restaurant Onodera in the upscale Ginza district.
The price paid for the tuna is the highest since the Covid-19 pandemic.
The number of foreign visitors to Japan has returned to pre-pandemic levels and has exceeded 2 million for six consecutive months, according to the Japan National Tourism Organization.
The tuna’s price this year was still far off from the 2019 record of 333.6 million.
