Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the 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 popular sushi restaurant group, which manages locations across the country and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," remarked the company president, a familiar figure at the annual January sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is renowned for submitting record bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This most recent acquisition exceeds his own notable purchases:
- He bid 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 ($2.1 million).
Despite once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his own record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously associated with exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be served at its locations throughout the country.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
Immediate Consumption
The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for patrons at the bidder's sushi establishments immediately after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a positive way after consuming something so lucky as the year gets underway," said one satisfied diner.
