Slump in first tuna auction of the year in Wakayama

Slump in first tuna auction of the year in Wakayama

SHINGU, Japan - Fish dealers examine tuna in the first auction of the year on Jan. 4 at the Katsuura Fishery Cooperative in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, one of the largest coastal tuna fishing towns in Japan. The auction of 36 tons of tuna fetched 17 million yen. The highest bid went to a 51-kilogram yellowfin tuna for 150,000 yen. The volume of tuna auctioned during the day and the amount in transactions were just half of last year's levels. Co-op officials attributed the slump to higher fuel prices and the reluctance of younger fishermen to go to sea during the New Year holidays.

Sakamoto wins women's 51-kg title

Sakamoto wins women's 51-kg title

BUDAPEST, Hungary - Japan's Hitomi Sakamoto (L) shows off the gold medal she won for the women's 51-kilogram title by downing Vanena Boobryem of France at the world wrestling championships in Budapest on Sept. 28. At right is her younger sister Makiko, who took the bronze in the women's 48-kg class.

Sakamoto wins 2nd title in women's wrestling

Sakamoto wins 2nd title in women's wrestling

SOFIA, BULGARIA - Defending champion Hitomi Sakamoto shows off her gold medal after her second straight 51-kilogram crown at the women's wrestling world championships at the Palace of Sport in Sofia on Nov. 25. Sakamoto rolled to an easy 12-1 victory over Stephanie Murata of the United States.

Sakamoto wins 2nd title in women's wrestling

Sakamoto wins 2nd title in women's wrestling

SOFIA, BULGARIA - Defending champion Hitomi Sakamoto shows off her gold medal after her second straight 51-kilogram crown at the women's wrestling world championships at the Palace of Sport in Sofia on Nov. 25. Sakamoto rolled to an easy 12-1 victory over Stephanie Murata of the United States.

Sakamoto wins women's 51-kg title

Sakamoto wins women's 51-kg title

BUDAPEST, Hungary - Japan's Hitomi Sakamoto (L) shows off the gold medal she won for the women's 51-kilogram title by downing Vanena Boobryem of France at the world wrestling championships in Budapest on Sept. 28. At right is her younger sister Makiko, who took the bronze in the women's 48-kg class. (Kyodo)

Slump in first tuna auction of the year in Wakayama

Slump in first tuna auction of the year in Wakayama

SHINGU, Japan - Fish dealers examine tuna in the first auction of the year on Jan. 4 at the Katsuura Fishery Cooperative in Nachikatsuura, Wakayama Prefecture, one of the largest coastal tuna fishing towns in Japan. The auction of 36 tons of tuna fetched 17 million yen. The highest bid went to a 51-kilogram yellowfin tuna for 150,000 yen. The volume of tuna auctioned during the day and the amount in transactions were just half of last year's levels. Co-op officials attributed the slump to higher fuel prices and the reluctance of younger fishermen to go to sea during the New Year holidays. (Kyodo)