A record-breaking bluefin tuna, sold for $3.2 million at a New Year’s auction in Tokyo, briefly landed in Los Angeles – and quickly sold out.
It All Started With Tradition
Every January 5th, the world’s largest wholesale seafood market in Tokyo holds a special auction to mark the beginning of the new year. This week, a 535-pound bluefin tuna fetched a record-setting 510.3 million yen – equivalent to approximately $3.2 million, or $6,000 per pound.
The winning bid came from Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the “Tuna King,” who operates the Sushi Zanmai chain of restaurants, recognized for its quality and affordable sushi.
From Tokyo to Koreatown
Approximately 30 pounds of the prized tuna was flown to Sushi Zanmai LA, the chain’s only U.S. location in Koreatown’s Chapman Plaza. “One of the staff from headquarters brought it by plane,” explained Tiger Nakawake, the restaurant’s general manager, adding that the fish was preserved with temperature control packaging and ice.
Nakawake noted that the L.A. location routinely receives its bluefin tuna from the Tokyo headquarters, supplementing it with fish sourced from both Japan and local suppliers. He expressed pride in bringing this symbol of good fortune and tradition to Los Angeles.
“All the staff were super happy, because we’re the only restaurant in the United States who has ‘World Record Blue Fin Tuna,’” Nakawake stated.
A Fleeting Opportunity
Sushi Zanmai LA served approximately 1,000 sushi slices made from the record-breaking tuna, starting on Thursday, at prices ranging from $4 to $7 per piece. According to Nakawake, the tuna was offered as “a New Year gift and appreciation to all the people in L.A. from Tuna King,” with a limit of one piece per person.
However, demand proved overwhelming. As of late Thursday night, Nakawake announced that the tuna was, “unfortunately, all sold out.”
Kimura’s winning bids at the annual auction are not unprecedented; according to the BBC, he also secured the highest bids in 2012, 2013, and 2019. A further shipment of bluefin tuna, purchased on the same day as the $3.2 million fish, is expected to arrive at the L.A. location this morning and will be available for approximately one week.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the price per pound of the tuna?
The 535-pound bluefin tuna sold for approximately $6,000 per pound.
Where is the only Sushi Zanmai location in the United States?
The only Sushi Zanmai location in the United States is at Chapman Plaza in Koreatown, Los Angeles.
Has the “Tuna King” won the auction before?
Yes, Kiyoshi Kimura, the “Tuna King,” also submitted winning bids at the annual New Year’s auction in 2012, 2013, and 2019, according to the BBC.
Given the popularity of this rare offering, what factors might influence demand for similar high-value seafood in the future?
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