Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the new year.
The successful offer for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a well-known sushi chain, which operates outlets throughout Japan and abroad.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a regular participant at the traditional new year's auction.
Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is renowned for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "astonished at the winning bid," stating, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it."
This most recent purchase tops his own notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after previously saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to break his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be available at its restaurants nationwide.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi chains immediately after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year begins," remarked one satisfied diner.
