Japan’s Sushi Tycoon Kiyoshi Kimura Pays Record $3.1 Million for an Endangered Bluefin Tuna at Tokyo Fish Auction
Kiyoshi Kimura paid a whopping 3.1 million dollars for a giant bluefin tuna at the first predawn of 2019’s auction in Tokyo’s fish market.
Every year, on the first Saturday in January, Japan makes a grand statement to the global fishing community by putting an exorbitant price on the heads of various and some endangered fishes. The wholesalers and sushi tycoons have been making headlines to pay eye-watering prices for the biggest and best fish at the first auction of the New Year. Keeping up the traditions, this year, a Sushi tycoon identified as Kiyoshi Kimura paid a whopping 3.1 million dollars (above Rs. 21.5 crores) for a giant bluefin tuna at the first predawn of 2019’s auction in Tokyo’s fish market. Move Over French Fries; This Italian Restaurant Serves ‘Fried Air’ & Customers Are Loving It Already.
The 278 kg fish was caught off Japan’s northern coast. Kimura who runs a popular Sushi Zanmai chain has often made the headlines for winning the annual auction in the past. As per media reports, the winner said he was surprised by the high price of tuna this year but was “very satisfied with the quality” of the fish. “The tuna looks so tasty and very fresh, but I think I did too much,” Kimura was quoted in the media outlets. New Year 2019 Effect! Salad Bars Get Overcrowded in NYC Thanks to ‘Eat Healthy’ Resolutions.
Watch Video of Sushi Tycoon Kiyoshi Kimura With the Giant Endangered Bluefin Tuna.
After winning the auction, the sushi chefs sliced up the giant fish with special knives which resembles Japanese swords at Kimura’s main restaurant. Many sushi taste buds queued outside. One of the customers told the AFP news agency, “I have come here every year to eat New Year sushi but this tuna is tastier than ever.”
Everything looks all fancy, but the auction highlights many vital things such as the exploitation of natural resources, the collapse of a species, short-sighted towards the impending doom to the entire ocean and the growing consumer demand for the bluefin tuna. Despite experts warning that the species faces possible extinction, the demands for the bluefin sashimi continues to raise. It is highly valued for its taste in sushi restaurants across Japan.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2019 10:54 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).