Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction
A substantial bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the company of a popular sushi restaurant group, which operates locations across the country and overseas.
"The first tuna heralds good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the traditional new year's auction.
Dubbed the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.
Bidding Shock and Historic Past
After the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "taken aback at the final price," noting, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price escalated before you knew it."
This most recent acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after once commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to break his personal record once again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly processed for patrons at the winner's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so lucky as the year begins," remarked one elated customer.
