Bluefin Fish Fetches Record Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the new year.
The successful bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which runs restaurants domestically and internationally.
"An inaugural tuna signals fortune," commented the entrepreneur, a familiar figure at the yearly new year's auction.
Known as the King of Tuna, this businessman is renowned for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Auction Shock and Historic Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "astonished at the final price," adding, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This latest acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to surpass his own record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Swift Service
The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one satisfied customer.