Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Record Sum of $3.2m at Tokyo Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; ÂŁ2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the calendar year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates restaurants domestically and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," remarked the business owner, a regular figure at the annual first sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is renowned for placing high bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the winner told the press that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," stating, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This new acquisition surpasses his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to shatter his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another food company, which stated the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.
The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments immediately after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," shared one happy diner.
