Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A substantial bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish was placed by the operator of a popular sushi chain, which operates locations across the country and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna heralds fortune," stated the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the traditional new year's auction.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is noted for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Auction Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner told journalists that he was "astonished at the final price," adding, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price soared in no time."
This new purchase surpasses his previous historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite previously commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to break his own record another time.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be served at its eateries throughout the country.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly processed for customers at the bidder's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded.
"I sense like I've begun the year in a good way after eating something so lucky as the year begins," shared one satisfied patron.
