Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Unprecedented Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a popular sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets domestically and internationally.
"The first tuna brings good luck," remarked the business owner, a notable participant at the yearly new year's auction.
Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for making high bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Auction Shock and Record-Setting Precedent
After the auction, the winner told reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."
This most recent purchase exceeds his own record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his own record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously characterized by exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants nationwide.
The high-energy 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 different.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants soon after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so lucky as the year starts," said one satisfied customer.
