Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the calendar year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was placed by the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.
"The first tuna signals fortune," commented the entrepreneur, a familiar figure at the traditional new year's auction.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is renowned for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "astonished at the amount," stating, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."
This new purchase exceeds his previous record purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to shatter his personal record another time.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously characterized by sky-high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which indicated the fish would be served at its restaurants nationwide.
The high-energy energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for customers at the bidder's sushi establishments shortly after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so auspicious as the year gets underway," said one satisfied customer.
