Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Record Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction
A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the new year.
The top bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates restaurants domestically and overseas.
"An inaugural tuna heralds good luck," commented the business owner, a notable bidder at the annual new year's auction.
Referred to as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is famous for placing record bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Bidding Shock and Historic Past
Following the auction, the winner told the press that he was "surprised at the amount," stating, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price soared rapidly."
This latest purchase exceeds his previous notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to break his personal record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which indicated the fish would be available at its eateries across Japan.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've started the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so lucky as the year begins," shared one satisfied patron.
