Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the new year.
The top offer for the 243kg fish came from the company of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates restaurants across the country and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," commented the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the yearly first sale.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is noted for placing high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "surprised at the final price," stating, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price escalated in no time."
This latest purchase exceeds his own notable purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to shatter his personal record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exorbitant prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be available at its restaurants across Japan.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
Swift Service
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly prepared for diners at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've begun the year in a good way after eating something so lucky as the year begins," said one elated diner.
