Prized salmon have fetched a record price of more than 1,200 dollars per kilogram at the season’s first auction in Hokkaido, northern Japan.
Fishers began hauling in Hokkaido’s leading autumn delicacy in the waters off the Hidaka region on Tuesday. About 1.5 tons were auctioned at a wholesale market in Sapporo City on Thursday.
Salmon sold under the premium “Ginsei” brand fetched 188,888 yen, or about 1,200 dollars, per kilo. That means a single fish was priced at about 850,000 yen, or 5,400 dollars.
Wholesale store manager Tojo Tetsuya, who bought the prized fish, said salmon caught in autumn looks and tastes good. He said he hopes many people will enjoy it.
Market trader Miyabe Yuhei expressed surprise at the high price, but said he is happy for the fishers. He said this year’s salmon might be more expensive than last year’s, but he wants many people to savor the fish as they have good red meat with plenty of fat.
Salmon harvesting is expected to continue through early December.
AloJapan.com