Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Bid of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 243kg fish came from the company of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which runs restaurants domestically and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna brings good luck," stated the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the traditional new year's auction.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this businessman is noted for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions.
Auction Shock and Historic Past
After the auction, the successful bidder admitted to the press that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time."
This latest purchase exceeds his own notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after previously remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to break his own record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country.
The intense energy at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly prepared for patrons at the bidder's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," said one elated customer.
