Inside Japan's still-thriving fisheries sector

The Japanese eat more fish per capita than any other developed country. Fish accounts for 23% of the protein in the daily Japanese diet, vs 4% in the US. To feed that habit, Japan has become the world’s largest importer of fish, buying $14.4 billion worth in 2008, according to the FAO. IntraFish looks into the industry, in a country where fishing lies at the heart of tradition and identity.

Last year began with a new record sale at the Tsukiji Fish Market’s New Year Tuna Auction. On January 5, 2013, Kiyoshi Kimura, president of Kiyomura Company, which owns the chain of Sushi Zanmai restaurants, paid 155,400,000 Yen or $1.76 million for a 222 kg Pacific Bluefin tuna (Thunnus orientalis/hon maguro or kuro maguro).

This was the fourth year in a row that a new record was set at the opening day tuna auction. In 2012, Kiyomura Company paid 56,490,000 Yen for a 269 kg hon maguro.

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Fisheries

Inside Japan's still-thriving fisheries sector