Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction
A substantial bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the new year.
The successful bid for the 243kg fish was submitted by the operator of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations domestically and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna brings a prosperous start," stated the company president, a familiar participant at the annual January sale.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is renowned for making record bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," adding, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This new purchase exceeds his previous historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants across Japan.
The high-energy energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for patrons at the bidder's sushi restaurants immediately after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a good way after eating something so lucky as the year gets underway," said one happy patron.
