Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Unprecedented Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction
A substantial bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the calendar year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a well-known sushi chain, which operates restaurants domestically and internationally.
"The first tuna heralds fortune," stated the business owner, a regular participant at the yearly first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for submitting record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "surprised at the amount," adding, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time."
This most recent acquisition tops his own historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to break his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants nationwide.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for diners at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction concluded.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a positive way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," shared one satisfied diner.
