Bluefin Fish Commands Record Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the new year.
The top bid for the 243kg fish came from the parent firm of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which runs locations domestically and abroad.
"The year's tuna heralds good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the traditional new year's auction.
Known as the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for making record bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "surprised at the final price," stating, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price escalated rapidly."
This latest acquisition surpasses his own historic purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Even after once commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to break his personal record once again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically known for exorbitant prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different food company, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants throughout the country.
The high-energy energy at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
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The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for customers at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've started the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," shared one elated customer.
