Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the new year.
The successful bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the company of a popular sushi chain, which manages outlets throughout Japan and abroad.
"The first tuna brings fortune," commented the business owner, a regular participant at the yearly January sale.
Dubbed the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is renowned for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Auction Shock and Historic Precedent
After the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," stating, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price escalated rapidly."
This latest acquisition surpasses his previous record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be available at its restaurants throughout the country.
The intense energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Immediate Consumption
The extremely valuable tuna was quickly sliced up for patrons at the winner's sushi establishments shortly after the auction ended.
"I feel like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so auspicious as the year starts," said one happy diner.
