A bluefin tuna weighing a staggering 276 kilograms (608 pounds) was sold for 193.2 million yen ($1.8 million) on Sunday at a Tokyo fish market, the second-highest price on record.
“I am even more happy as this was the first auction in Reiwa,” said Kiyomura President Kiyoshi Kimura, referring to the new imperial era that commenced in May.
The company said the tuna will be served at the chain’s outlet in nearby Tsukiji, the famed fish market’s former location.
The record-holding bluefin bid of ¥333.6 million was set at last year’s New Year’s auction, which was the first to be held after the market’s move to Toyosu.
The number of wild bluefin put up for auction this year was 72, up 13 from last year.
But bidding for yellowtail and bonito from Toyama Prefecture also soared because of short supply.
“We want to create a new market model at Toyosu by using much of our experience and tradition from Tsukiji,” an executive of a wholesaler said in an address at the auction.
