Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Sum of $3.2m at Tokyo New Year Sale
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving 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 243kg fish was placed by the company of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages outlets domestically and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna brings a prosperous start," remarked the company president, a familiar figure at the annual first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is noted for placing substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," stating, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price soared before you knew it."
This most recent purchase exceeds his own historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record another time.
A Tradition of High Prices
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different culinary group, which announced the fish would be served at its locations throughout the country.
The intense energy at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has become a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly prepared for customers at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so lucky as the year begins," remarked one elated customer.
