Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the new year.
The successful bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which runs outlets domestically and overseas.
"The year's tuna heralds fortune," remarked the business owner, a regular bidder at the yearly January sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is renowned for placing record bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
After the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "astonished at the amount," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time."
This latest acquisition surpasses his previous record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to shatter his personal record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be served at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly prepared for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments soon after the auction was finished.
"I feel like I've commenced the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," shared one satisfied diner.
