Record Price of 207 Million Yen for Oma Tuna

TOKYO, Jan 05 (News On Japan) - At the first tuna auction of the year held at Tokyo’s Toyosu Market, a bluefin tuna from Oma, Aomori Prefecture, was sold for 207 million yen, the second-highest price in history.

Shortly after 5 a.m. on January 5th, the traditional New Year auction began at Toyosu Market.

The highest bid was for a 276-kilogram bluefin tuna from Oma, fetching 207 million yen, significantly exceeding last year's record of 114.24 million yen.

The successful bidders were the Onodera Group, which has won the top bid for five consecutive years and operates sushi restaurants, and seafood wholesaler Yamayuki.

Onodera Holdings President Shinji Nagao said, "Since the first tuna of the year is considered an auspicious symbol, I hope people will enjoy it and have a good year ahead."

Yamayuki President Yukitaka Yamaguchi commented, "It’s hard to say whether 200 million yen as the second-highest price ever is good or not, but considering the festive occasion, it was probably a positive result."

Additionally, at the first auction for fresh sea urchin, around 400 grams of sea urchin from Hakodate, Hokkaido, paired with a lacquerware box, fetched a record 7 million yen.

This sea urchin will be served at Sushi Naomitsu in Tokyo’s Nakameguro from January 6th, priced at 400,000 yen per piece.

Source: ANN

Osaka Expands Indoor Smoking Ban

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

Japan's Imperial Household Launches YouTube Channel

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

New Recruits Across Japan Mark First Day as Working Adults

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Death Toll Could Reach 298,000 in Nankai Trough Megaquake

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

Tokyo's Cherry Blossoms Bloom Early This Year

The Japan Meteorological Agency announced on March 30th that cherry blossoms (Somei-Yoshino) in central Tokyo have reached full bloom, one day earlier than the historical average and five days earlier than last year.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Business NEWS

Next-Gen Semiconductor Project Kicks Off in Hokkaido

The prototype line for next-generation semiconductors developed by Rapidus is now ready, as a nationwide initiative to boost Japan's chip industry takes a major step forward in Hokkaido.

Japan to Tighten Screening of Foreign Investments

The Japanese government approved a cabinet ordinance on April 1st to introduce a new pre-screening system for foreign companies investing in Japan. The revised regulation will take effect on May 19th.

Economic Outlook Dims for Japan's Industrial Giants

The Bank of Japan's March Tankan survey, a key quarterly economic report, showed that business sentiment among large manufacturers has deteriorated for the first time in four quarters.

Tokyo Starts Mandatory Solar Panels for New Houses

Tokyo has made it mandatory to install solar panels on newly built houses starting April 1st, as part of its broader effort to halve greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Sekisui House Holds Entrance Ceremony at Grand Green Osaka

The new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the Kansai region holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

Sukiya Closes Most Stores After Insect and Rat Contamination

Sukiya, one of Japan's leading beef bowl restaurant chains, announced it will temporarily close nearly all of its stores after an insect was found in a food item served at one of its outlets.

Fuji TV Announces Major Leadership Overhaul

Fuji Television announced a sweeping overhaul of its management structure on March 27th, including the retirement of longtime executive Hisashi Hieda, who served on the board for 41 years.

Tariffs Expected to Deal Major Blow to Japanese Automakers

The Trump administration announced on March 26th that it will impose an additional 25% tariff on imported automobiles and key auto parts. According to the proclamation signed by President Trump, the tariffs are set to take effect on April 3rd and will apply to all imported vehicles, including those from Japan.

< 2 3 4 5 >