Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Sum of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the year.
The winning offer for the 243kg fish came from the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets domestically and abroad.
"The year's tuna brings a prosperous start," commented the business owner, a familiar participant at the yearly first sale.
Known as the King of Tuna, this businessman is noted for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.
Auction Shock and Historic Past
After the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "surprised at the final price," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This latest purchase surpasses his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his personal record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously known for exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its restaurants across Japan.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for diners at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've begun the year in a positive way after eating something so auspicious as the year gets underway," said one elated diner.
