Bluefin Tuna Sells for Record Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year.
The top bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which runs restaurants across the country and overseas.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," stated the company president, a regular participant at the yearly January sale.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is renowned for making record bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the winner admitted to the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it."
This latest acquisition 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 won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to break his personal record another time.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.
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 equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for customers at the bidder's sushi establishments soon after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," remarked one elated customer.
