Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the new year.
The top bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the parent firm of a well-known sushi chain, which manages locations throughout Japan and abroad.
"The first tuna heralds fortune," stated the entrepreneur, a regular participant at the yearly new year's auction.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "surprised at the final price," stating, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price escalated in no time."
This latest purchase surpasses his previous notable purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously known for exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Immediate Consumption
The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for customers at the bidder's sushi establishments immediately after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so lucky as the year begins," shared one satisfied customer.
