Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.
The top offer for the 243kg fish came from the parent firm of a well-known sushi chain, which operates locations domestically and overseas.
"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," remarked the company president, a notable participant at the annual first sale.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is famous for submitting record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the winner told reporters that he was "taken aback at the final price," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared rapidly."
This latest acquisition exceeds his previous notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to shatter his own record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with exorbitant prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which announced the fish would be featured at its restaurants nationwide.
The high-energy activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was promptly sliced up for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants immediately after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," remarked one happy customer.
