Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Unprecedented Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction
A substantial bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the calendar year.
The top offer for the 535-pound fish was placed by the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which runs outlets domestically and internationally.
"The first tuna brings good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a familiar figure at the traditional January sale.
Known as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is noted for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "surprised at the amount," adding, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This latest purchase tops his previous historic purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to break his personal record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which announced the fish would be served at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Immediate Consumption
The record-priced tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so auspicious as the year begins," said one satisfied patron.
