A bluefin tuna was sold for 193.2 million yen ($1.78 million) at the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo at Sunday's New Year's auction.
The astronomical figure is the second highest in history, according to Kyodo.
The tuna was caught by a fishing vessel in Aomori Prefecture and weighs 276 kilos, meaning 700 thousand yen per kilo was paid.
Who paid the millionaire sum?
A company called Tokyo-based Kiyomura operates a chain of sushi restaurants.
The president of the firm declared himself particularly happy as it was the first auction in the Reiwa era, which opened last May when Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne.
Tuna will be served at a chain restaurant in Tsukiji, where the capital's old fish market was located.
Last year's auction paid an even larger amount for bluefin tuna: 333.6 million yen ($3.08 million). (International Press)
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