Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Bid of $3.2m at Tokyo New Year Sale
A massive 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 venue's first auction of the year.
The top offer for the 243kg fish was submitted by the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates locations throughout Japan and abroad.
"The first tuna brings good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable bidder at the yearly January sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this businessman is renowned for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions.
Auction Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."
This most recent purchase exceeds his own record 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).
Despite previously commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to break his own record another time.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be available at its locations throughout the country.
The high-energy activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi chains soon after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so lucky as the year begins," shared one satisfied customer.
