Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Unprecedented Price of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the new year.
The successful offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the operator of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which manages restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna heralds fortune," commented the entrepreneur, a regular participant at the annual January sale.
Referred to as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is noted for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner told journalists that he was "taken aback at the amount," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This most recent purchase surpasses his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to surpass his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for exorbitant prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another food company, which stated the fish would be available at its restaurants throughout the country.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for customers at the bidder's sushi chains soon after the auction concluded.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," said one happy customer.
