Bluefin Tuna Sells for Historic Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year.
The top offer for the 243kg fish came from the company of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations domestically and overseas.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," stated the business owner, a notable participant at the traditional January sale.
Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is noted for making substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions.
Bidding Shock and Historic Past
After the auction, the winner told journalists that he was "astonished at the final price," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This new purchase surpasses his previous historic purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different culinary group, which indicated the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country.
The intense energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
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The record-priced tuna was promptly prepared for diners at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've started the year in a positive way after consuming something so lucky as the year gets underway," said one satisfied patron.
