Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Record Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction
A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.
The successful bid for the 243-kilogram fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which operates locations across the country and internationally.
"The first tuna brings fortune," remarked the entrepreneur, a regular bidder at the annual first sale.
Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is noted for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Auction Shock and Record-Setting Precedent
After the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "surprised at the final price," stating, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price escalated rapidly."
This new purchase surpasses his own historic purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different food company, which indicated the fish would be featured at its eateries across Japan.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter processed for customers at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," said one happy customer.
