TOKYO — A New Year tuna auction in Tokyo set a new benchmark after sushi chain owner Kiyoshi Kimura paid US$3.2 million for a massive bluefin tuna, underscoring a rebound in demand following years of pandemic disruption.
The 243-kilogram tuna was auctioned at Toyosu fish market, fetching the highest price recorded since data collection began in 1999 and eclipsing the previous peak achieved in 2019.
Kimura said the rapid rise in bids exceeded his expectations but expressed hope that sharing the prized fish would energise customers and mark a positive start to the year.
While the headline figure drew global attention, environmental groups noted a more encouraging trend behind the sale. Dave Gershman of the Pew Charitable Trusts said Pacific bluefin stocks were recovering from near collapse, though he urged fisheries managers to finalise long-term sustainability measures to prevent overfishing from recurring.