Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Sum of $3.2m at Tokyo New Year Sale
A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish came from the parent firm of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates outlets domestically and abroad.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a familiar participant at the yearly January sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for making substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Historic Past
After the auction, the winner told the press that he was "astonished at the amount," stating, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time."
This most recent purchase exceeds his own notable purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Even after once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his own record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with sky-high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.
The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly prepared for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded.
"I feel like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so lucky as the year gets underway," shared one satisfied patron.
