Onodera Group, a Japanese sushi company, made headlines by purchasing a 608-pound tuna for $1.3 million at the first auction of the New Year in Tokyo. This hefty fish will be served at 13 Ginza Onodera restaurants in two countries, as well as at other locations around the world. The bluefin tuna species, including Pacific, Atlantic, and southern bluefin tuna, have been in danger due to overfishing, but recent conservation efforts have led to improvements in their populations. The IUCN has reclassified the fish, moving the Atlantic bluefin tuna from “endangered” to “least concern,” and the southern bluefin tuna from “critically endangered” to “endangered.” The Pacific bluefin tuna remains “near threatened.” The auction took place at the Toyosu Market, which replaced the Tsukiji Market in 2018 to better meet the needs of producers, retailers, and customers. The Toyosu Market is now the largest market in the world. Onodera Group expressed gratitude to Yukitaka Yamaguchi, president of Toyosu wholesaler Yamayuki, for his help in acquiring the prized tuna. This purchase showcases the luxury and competition within the sushi market, while also highlighting the ongoing efforts to conserve and protect various tuna species.
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