Weighing an impressive 243kg (536 pounds), the prized bluefin tuna was acquired by Kiyomura Corp, the renowned operator of the popular sushi chain Sushizanmai based in Tokyo.
Expressing optimism for the economy in the upcoming year, Kiyomura chief Kiyoshi Kimura stated, “I hope the economy will get better this year. The Takaichi administration pledged to work, work, work, so Sushizanmai will work, work, work too,” in reference to Japan’s first female prime minister, Sanae Takaichi.
This extraordinary bid surpassed Kiyomura’s previous record of 333.6 million yen set in 2019, surprising even Kimura himself who commented, “I thought that (the winning bid) would come in a little bit lower, maybe around 400 million or 300 million yen but it turned out to be over 500 million.”
Referred to as the “Tuna King,” Kimura revealed that the giant bluefin tuna was promptly transported to Sushizanmai’s main branch where it was expertly prepared and distributed to their restaurants nationwide, ensuring that customers would enjoy the delectable tuna dishes at the usual price.
