Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the calendar year.
The winning offer for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the company of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets throughout Japan and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna heralds a prosperous start," commented the business owner, a regular participant at the yearly first sale.
Dubbed the King of Tuna, this industry figure is famous for making high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the winner told the press that he was "astonished at the amount," stating, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price soared before you knew it."
This new purchase tops his own record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be available at its eateries throughout the country.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi establishments immediately after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," remarked one satisfied customer.
