Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction
A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year.
The top bid for the 535-pound fish came from the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which operates restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.
"The first tuna brings fortune," remarked the company president, a notable participant at the yearly first sale.
Referred to as the Tuna King, this industry figure is renowned for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Historic Precedent
After the auction, the winner told reporters that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it."
This new acquisition surpasses his previous record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his personal record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be served at its locations nationwide.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise 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 shortly thereafter prepared for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," said one elated customer.
