Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.
The successful offer for the 243kg fish came from the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which operates outlets across the country and overseas.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular participant at the annual new year's auction.
Known as the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for making substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.
Bidding Shock and Historic Past
Following the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared rapidly."
This new acquisition tops his own record purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to shatter his personal record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously known for sky-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 featured at its restaurants throughout the country.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Swift Service
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for patrons at the bidder's sushi establishments immediately after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year begins," remarked one elated patron.
