A Tuna That Broke the Bank

In Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, a massive bluefin tuna stole the spotlight. This wasn't just any tuna—it weighed a staggering 535 pounds and sold for a jaw-dropping 510 million yen (approximately $3.2 million). That's a lot of sushi!

The Buyer: Kiyomura Corp.

The buyer was Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, who runs the famous Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura is no stranger to winning big at these auctions. In fact, he broke his own 2019 record of 334 million yen ($2.1 million).

"I was hoping to pay less, but the bidding got out of hand quickly."

The Auction: A Spectacle of Sushi Excellence

The auction itself is quite a sight. As the bell rings, bidders examine the tuna, which are laid out with their tails cut off. They look at the color, texture, and fattiness of the meat. This particular tuna was caught off the coast of Oma, a region known for its high-quality tuna.

Why Such a High Price?

Kimura mentioned that buying this tuna was partly for good luck. He also said that when he sees a good-looking tuna, he can't resist. He hasn't tasted it yet, but he's confident it will be delicious.

The Aftermath: A Tuna Fit for the Nation

Hundreds of tuna are sold daily at these early morning auctions, but the prices are usually higher for Oma tuna, especially during the New Year auction. This enormous tuna was taken to Sushi Zanmai's headquarters, where it was sliced up and distributed to various eateries across the country. The dishes made from this tuna will be sold at the usual price, according to Kimura.