Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A massive Pacific 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; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.
The successful bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which runs outlets across the country and abroad.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," stated the entrepreneur, a regular figure at the traditional new year's auction.
Known as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price escalated before you knew it."
This latest acquisition exceeds his own historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Even after once commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to shatter his own record once again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be available at its locations across Japan.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Immediate Consumption
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly prepared for customers at the winner's sushi establishments immediately after the auction ended.
"I feel like I've commenced the year in a positive way after consuming something so auspicious as the year starts," shared one happy patron.
