Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Sum of $3.2m at Tokyo Auction
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the calendar year.
The successful bid for the 535-pound fish was placed by the operator of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets throughout Japan and abroad.
"The first tuna brings a prosperous start," commented the entrepreneur, a familiar participant at the yearly first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is famous for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Auction Surprise and Historic Past
After the auction, the winner informed journalists that he was "taken aback at the final price," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared in no time."
This latest acquisition surpasses his own record purchases:
- He bid 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 ($2.1m).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to break his own record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for diners at the bidder's sushi chains soon after the auction concluded.
"I feel like I've begun the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," shared one happy diner.
