Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Bid 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 record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.
The winning offer for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the company of a popular sushi chain, which runs outlets across the country and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna signals good luck," commented the business owner, a regular participant at the yearly new year's auction.
Known as the Tuna King, this businessman is famous for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.
Auction Shock and Historic Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "taken aback at the final price," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This new acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which stated the fish would be available at its restaurants nationwide.
The frenetic activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly prepared for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments shortly after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a positive way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one elated patron.
