Bluefin Fish Commands Unprecedented Bid of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; ÂŁ2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates locations throughout Japan and overseas.
"The first tuna brings a prosperous start," remarked the business owner, a notable participant at the traditional first sale.
Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is famous for making record bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "surprised at the final price," adding, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This most recent purchase exceeds his own record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after previously remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide.
The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly processed for customers at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," said one happy diner.
