Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.
The top offer for the 243-kilogram fish was placed by the company of a well-known sushi chain, which runs restaurants domestically and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna signals a prosperous start," commented the company president, a notable participant at the annual January sale.
Dubbed the King of Tuna, this industry figure is famous for placing substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Historic Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This latest purchase surpasses his own record purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite once remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to surpass his personal record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for patrons at the bidder's sushi chains soon after the auction concluded.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a positive way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts," shared one happy patron.
