Watch | Tuna fetches unbelievable price at auction in Japan

Kiyoshi Kimura, the president of a chain of sushi restaurants, won the first bid of the year - and paid 14 million yen - or about 117 thousand U.S. dollars - for a 440 pound bluefin tuna. While that may seem like a chunky sum, it's not the most money ever paid for a bluefin. In 2013, Kimura's company paid 155 million yen - or 1.3 million U.S. dollars - for a fish.

In Japan, a high bid at the first fish market auction is considered a good sign for the start of the business year. Although the bluefin is endangered, it is prized delicacy and anyway you slice it - it is a must-have for sushi lovers.