Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Record Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; ÂŁ2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish came from the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which operates locations domestically and overseas.
"An inaugural tuna brings a prosperous start," remarked the business owner, a familiar figure at the yearly first sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.
Auction Surprise and Historic Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to the press that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This new acquisition surpasses his previous record purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously known for exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be featured at its restaurants across Japan.
The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the winner's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I feel like I've begun the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," remarked one happy customer.
