Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fetches Record Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.
The top offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which operates restaurants domestically and abroad.
"The year's tuna brings good luck," stated the business owner, a regular figure at the traditional first sale.
Referred to as the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Historic Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "astonished at the amount," stating, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."
This new purchase tops his previous record purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Despite previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to shatter his personal record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously known for exorbitant prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be served at its locations across Japan.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
Swift Service
The record-priced tuna was promptly sliced up for customers at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a auspicious way after eating something so lucky as the year starts," shared one satisfied diner.