Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Sum of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which manages locations across the country and overseas.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," remarked the business owner, a familiar participant at the annual new year's auction.
Referred to as the Tuna King, this industry figure is renowned for placing high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner admitted to journalists that he was "taken aback at the amount," stating, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."
This most recent acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to shatter his own record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different culinary group, which indicated the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
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The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for customers at the winner's sushi establishments soon after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," shared one satisfied customer.