Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fetches Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the new year.
The successful bid for the 535-pound fish came from the company of a well-known sushi chain, which manages restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.
"The year's tuna heralds good luck," stated the entrepreneur, a regular bidder at the annual January sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is renowned for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Historic Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This latest purchase exceeds his previous record purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to shatter his own record yet again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by sky-high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which stated the fish would be available at its restaurants across Japan.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has become a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for customers at the entrepreneur's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one satisfied diner.
