初はつ競せり

noun

first auction of the year at a wholesale market

Typically refers to the first auction of seafood, fruit, or other produce at a wholesale market after the New Year holiday. Often a festive event with high prices.

• 築つき地じ市し場じょうの初はつ競せりで、マグロが高たか値ねで落らく札さつされた。

  At the first auction of the year at Tsukiji Market, a tuna was sold for a high price.

• 初はつ競せりは毎まい年とし1月がつ5日かに行おこなわれる。

  The first auction of the year is held on January 5th every year.