Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Record Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.
The winning offer for the 243kg fish came from the company of a popular sushi chain, which operates outlets across the country and abroad.
"The year's tuna brings fortune," remarked the business owner, a notable participant at the yearly new year's auction.
Known as the King of Tuna, this businessman is noted for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the winner told the press that he was "astonished at the final price," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price soared rapidly."
This new acquisition exceeds his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after once saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to break his own record another time.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with sky-high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different food company, which stated the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly sliced up for customers at the winner's sushi establishments shortly after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've begun the year in a positive way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," said one happy patron.
