Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Sum of $3.2m at Tokyo New Year Sale
A massive Pacific 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 market's opening auction of the year.
The top offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which runs outlets across the country and internationally.
"The year's tuna heralds good luck," stated the entrepreneur, a notable bidder at the traditional first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is renowned for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the winner admitted to the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared rapidly."
This most recent acquisition tops his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his own record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously known for sky-high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Swift Service
The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter processed for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after eating something so auspicious as the year begins," shared one elated diner.
