Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the year.
The successful bid for the 535-pound fish was placed by the operator of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations throughout Japan and abroad.
"The year's tuna brings fortune," remarked the entrepreneur, a familiar participant at the yearly January sale.
Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for placing high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Historic Past
After the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," adding, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."
This new purchase tops his previous notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite once saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now gone on to break his personal record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country.
The high-energy activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
Immediate Consumption
The record-priced tuna was promptly prepared for diners at the winner's sushi chains shortly after the auction concluded.
"I feel like I've begun the year in a positive way after eating something so lucky as the year starts," shared one happy patron.
