(Photo from asahi.com)
The annual first tuna auction at Tsukiji Fish Market was held on Sunday, January 5th in Tokyo. Last year’s price, $1.5M for tuna drew many criticisms that the price was simply getting too out of control. This year’s price of $75,000 for a tuna (still over $500/lbs.) is about 1/20 of last year’s price. The price of tuna sold at this first trade is not a representation of the rest of the tuna sold at the market. It is more ceremonial than actual trade. It is considered that good fortune and prosperity come to whoever wins the auction.