Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.
The top offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations domestically and overseas.
"The year's tuna brings fortune," remarked the business owner, a regular figure at the traditional January sale.
Known as the King of Tuna, this businessman is renowned for making high bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
After the auction, the successful bidder told journalists that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared rapidly."
This latest purchase surpasses his own record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to surpass his own record once again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be featured at its locations nationwide.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for diners at the winner's sushi chains immediately after the auction ended.
"I feel like I've begun the year in a good way after tasting something so lucky as the year gets underway," shared one elated customer.
