The 'Tuna King' Pays a Record-Breaking Price for a Giant Bluefin at Tokyo's New Year Auction
In a thrilling display of culinary ambition, sushi entrepreneur Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the 'Tuna King', has shattered records by paying a staggering 510.3 million yen (£2.4 million) for a colossal 243kg (536lbs) bluefin tuna at Tokyo's prestigious fish market auction. This auction, held at the dawn of the new year, marks the highest price ever recorded for a bluefin tuna, surpassing the previous record set in 2019.
The tuna, caught off Japan's northern coast, was an impressive sight, and Kimura's enthusiasm was palpable. Despite his initial expectation of a more modest price, the auction's rapid escalation left him in awe. Kimura's vision is to inspire people to feel energized by indulging in this auspicious tuna, and he believes this purchase will achieve just that.
The auction's price of 510.3 million yen is a significant jump from the 333.6 million yen paid for a 278kg bluefin in 2019, a year when the market relocated to a modern facility. The previous year's top bidder paid 207 million yen for a 276kg bluefin, indicating a steady rise in prices.
Following the auction, the tuna was swiftly butchered and transformed into sushi, available for purchase at Kimura's restaurant chain for around 500 yen (£2.40) per roll. This culinary masterpiece was a testament to the tuna's exceptional quality and the chef's skill.
Minami Sugiyama, a 19-year-old customer, shared her delight, stating that eating the tuna made her feel like the year had started on a positive note. Kiyoshi Nishimura, a 40-year-old Shinto priest, echoed this sentiment, praising the tuna's natural sweetness and rich texture, even when served without soy sauce.
The pandemic had a significant impact on the tuna market, causing a sharp decline in prices as restaurants reduced their operations. However, the 'Tuna King' has emerged from the pandemic with a record-breaking purchase, ensuring that the new year's tuna will be remembered for its exceptional quality and the excitement it generated among sushi enthusiasts.
