Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Bid of $3.2m at Tokyo New Year Sale
A substantial bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the new year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages outlets across the country and overseas.
"An inaugural tuna signals fortune," commented the company president, a familiar participant at the traditional new year's auction.
Known as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is noted for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner told journalists that he was "surprised at the winning bid," stating, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price soared rapidly."
This latest purchase surpasses his previous historic purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after once remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which indicated the fish would be served at its restaurants nationwide.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly processed for diners at the winner's sushi establishments immediately after the auction ended.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a positive way after tasting something so auspicious as the year starts," said one elated diner.
