Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; ÂŁ2.4m) during the market's first auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 243-kilogram fish came from the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which manages locations domestically and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna brings good luck," stated the company president, a familiar participant at the traditional new year's auction.
Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for placing high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
After the auction, the winner informed reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price soared before you knew it."
This latest acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally associated with sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be featured at its eateries across Japan.
The frenetic activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has become a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly prepared for diners at the bidder's sushi chains immediately after the auction was finished.
"I feel like I've commenced the year in a positive way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," remarked one happy customer.
