Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the calendar year.
The top bid for the 243kg fish came from the company of a well-known sushi chain, which runs outlets across the country and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," stated the company president, a familiar bidder at the traditional new year's auction.
Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is famous for placing substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to the press that he was "astonished at the amount," adding, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price escalated rapidly."
This most recent acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to surpass his own record another time.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants across Japan.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded.
"I feel like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," shared one satisfied diner.
