Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.
The top bid for the 535-pound fish was placed by the operator of a popular sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets domestically and overseas.
"The first tuna brings fortune," stated the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the yearly first sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is renowned for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "astonished at the final price," stating, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This new acquisition tops his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Despite once saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to break his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically associated with exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be featured at its locations throughout the country.
The high-energy energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter processed for diners at the bidder's sushi establishments immediately after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've started the year in a auspicious way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts," remarked one happy diner.
