Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir 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 year.
The top offer for the 243-kilogram fish was placed by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which runs restaurants domestically and abroad.
"The year's tuna heralds good luck," commented the company president, a familiar figure at the yearly first sale.
Known as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is renowned for making high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner informed journalists that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," noting, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time."
This new acquisition tops his previous historic purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to shatter his own record once again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be available at its restaurants throughout the country.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was promptly processed for customers at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year gets underway," shared one happy patron.
