Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Unprecedented Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the calendar year.
The top bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the company of a well-known sushi chain, which runs outlets across the country and overseas.
"The first tuna signals good luck," remarked the company president, a familiar figure at the annual new year's auction.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is renowned for submitting record bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Auction Shock and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This new acquisition exceeds his own historic purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Despite once remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to break his own record yet again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exorbitant prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different culinary group, which announced the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was promptly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after tasting something so auspicious as the year begins," remarked one happy diner.
