Bluefin Fish Fetches Historic Sum of $3.2 million 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; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the parent firm of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which manages locations throughout Japan and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna heralds good luck," remarked the company president, a regular figure at the yearly first sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is renowned for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."
This most recent purchase tops his previous record purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to break his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which stated the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter processed for diners at the winner's sushi chains soon after the auction concluded.
"I sense like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so lucky as the year gets underway," shared one satisfied patron.
