Japan's leading sushi entrepreneur paid 510.3 million yen (about 101.77 million baht) to purchase a giant 243 kg bluefin tuna at the New Year's auction at Tokyo Fish Market, setting an all-time high record. Experts say this is a positive sign, indicating the fish population is beginning to recover from near extinction.
Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the "Tuna King" and chairman of a famous sushi chain, caused a stir again after winning the auction for a massive 243-kilogram bluefin tuna at the New Year's opening auction at Tokyo's main fish market, paying as much as 510.3 million yen, or about 101.77 million baht.
This figure is the highest price recorded since statistics began in 1999, breaking the previous record set in 2019, when the price reached 333.6 million yen following the market's relocation from the old Tsukiji district to a new site. Last year, the top price was 207 million yen.
The famous tuna was caught off Japan's northern coast. After the early morning auction, Mr. Kimura said, "At first, I thought I would buy it for a lower price, but the price quickly surged. I was surprised by the price myself, but I hope that people eating this auspicious tuna will feel energized and refreshed."
Dave Gershman from the international fisheries team at Pew Charitable Trusts said this auction is not just about price but reflects that the Pacific bluefin tuna population is beginning to recover after previously nearing collapse due to overfishing.
Gershman noted that the recovery plan implemented since 2017 has been effective, and if authorities from countries such as Japan, the U.S., and South Korea jointly enforce sustainable management plans in 2026, the future of bluefin tuna will be bright and stable once again.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, New Year tuna auction prices dropped significantly due to restaurant service restrictions. However, this record-breaking auction signals a grand comeback for Japan's sushi industry and seafood market.
,AFP