Bluefin Tuna Commands Unprecedented Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 243-kilogram fish was placed by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates restaurants across the country and overseas.
"The first tuna signals good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a regular figure at the yearly January sale.
Dubbed the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is noted for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner told journalists that he was "astonished at the final price," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time."
This most recent acquisition tops his previous notable purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now gone on to shatter his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries throughout the country.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
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The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for diners at the winner's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've started the year in a positive way after consuming something so lucky as the year gets underway," shared one elated patron.