Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.
The winning offer for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the company of a popular sushi restaurant group, which runs locations domestically and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," commented the business owner, a notable participant at the traditional first sale.
Known as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is noted for placing substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
After the auction, the winner admitted to the press that he was "astonished at the amount," noting, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price escalated in no time."
This latest acquisition surpasses his own notable purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different culinary group, which announced the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
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The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter processed for customers at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after eating something so lucky as the year gets underway," said one satisfied patron.
