Tokyo: How expensive can a fish get? The answer might surprise you. A Pacific Bluefin Tuna, the so-called “Queen of the Sea,” has smashed all records, selling for an astonishing ¥510 million—approximately ₹29.20 crore—at auction in Tokyo, Japan.
The “Queen of the Sea”
The Pacific Bluefin Tuna is a rare and prized species, celebrated worldwide for its taste and size. Known as the “Queen of the Sea,” this giant fish rules the depths of the Pacific Ocean and commands a premium in global luxury seafood markets.
Record-Breaking Auction
Weighing 243 kilograms, the tuna fetched a jaw-dropping price of about ₹12 lakh per kilogram at Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu Fish Market. This sale sets a new world record, surpassing even last year’s high-profile auction of the same species.
Why the Bluefin Tuna Commands Such Demand
The Bluefin Tuna is not an ordinary fish—it is massive, fast, and exceptionally flavorful. In Japan, it is the primary choice for preparing sushi and sashimi in high-end hotels and five-star restaurants. Its rich fat content makes it both delicious and nutritious, fueling global demand and driving its sky-high price.
About the Buyer
The record-breaking fish was purchased by Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King.” Kimura owns the famous sushi chain Sushi Zanmai and had previously purchased a Bluefin Tuna for ₹20 crore last year. With this purchase, he has once again broken his own record.
A Symbol of Luxury and Status
Owning and consuming a Pacific Bluefin Tuna is considered a status symbol in Japan. Beyond its culinary appeal, the fish’s rarity, size, and prestige make it a luxury icon in the seafood world, truly deserving of its title as the “Queen of the Sea.”