Bluefin Tuna Fetches Historic Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages restaurants throughout Japan and overseas.
"An inaugural tuna signals fortune," commented the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the yearly new year's auction.
Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is famous for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared before you knew it."
This latest acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to shatter his personal record another time.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by sky-high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly processed for patrons at the bidder's sushi establishments immediately after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've started the year in a positive way after tasting something so lucky as the year starts," said one happy customer.
