Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the year.
The successful offer for the 243kg fish came from the company of a popular sushi chain, which runs outlets domestically and internationally.
"The first tuna signals a prosperous start," commented the business owner, a regular figure at the annual January sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," noting, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price escalated in no time."
This new acquisition tops his previous notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record another time.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different culinary group, which announced the fish would be served at its eateries nationwide.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Immediate Consumption
The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for patrons at the winner's sushi chains shortly after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a auspicious way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," shared one happy diner.
