What's happened
At the New Year auction in Tokyo's Toyosu Fish Market, the Onodera Group purchased a 276 kg bluefin tuna for 207 million yen ($1.3 million), marking the second-highest price ever paid. This event reflects a resurgence in the premium sushi market post-pandemic.
Go deeper
Market Recovery
- The high bid indicates a rebound in the dining sector post-COVID-19.
- Increased consumer confidence is driving demand for premium seafood.
Cultural Significance
- The first tuna auctioned is seen as a harbinger of good fortune.
- The event garners significant media attention, enhancing the prestige of the winning bidders.
Environmental Considerations
- Bluefin tuna is classified as a vulnerable species, raising concerns about sustainability.
- The auction's high prices may encourage overfishing if demand continues to rise.
What the papers say
According to The Guardian, the Onodera Group's purchase of the bluefin tuna for 207 million yen is the second-highest price recorded since 1999. The Japan Times noted that this year's bid was approximately 1.8 times higher than last year's, highlighting a significant increase in market activity. The Independent emphasized the cultural importance of the first tuna auctioned, stating, 'Our wish is that people will eat this and have a wonderful year,' reflecting the traditional beliefs surrounding the event. The NY Post provided context on the auction's history, noting that the highest price ever paid was 333.6 million yen in 2019, underscoring the competitive nature of this annual event.
How we got here
The annual New Year auction at Toyosu Fish Market is a significant event in Japan's culinary calendar, symbolizing good fortune. The Onodera Group has dominated this auction for five consecutive years, reflecting their commitment to high-quality sushi.
Common question
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What was the highest price paid for tuna at the Tokyo auction?
The New Year tuna auction at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market is a highly anticipated event, showcasing the finest bluefin tuna and attracting bidders from around the world. This year, the auction saw a remarkable bid that not only highlights the quality of the fish but also reflects the recovery of the dining sector post-pandemic. Below, we explore key questions surrounding this significant event.
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More on these topics
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Bluefin tuna is a common name used to refer to several species of tuna of the genus Thunnus.
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The COVID-19 pandemic, also known as the coronavirus pandemic, is an ongoing global pandemic of coronavirus disease 2019 caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2.