Bluefin Fish Fetches Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the new year.
The winning offer for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.
"The first tuna brings fortune," remarked the entrepreneur, a regular bidder at the yearly first sale.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this businessman is renowned for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Historic Precedent
Following the auction, the winner told the press that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price soared rapidly."
This new purchase exceeds his own notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously known for sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be available at its locations throughout the country.
The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter processed for diners at the winner's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year starts," remarked one happy customer.
