Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; ÂŁ2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the year.
The successful bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the company of a popular sushi chain, which manages restaurants across the country and overseas.
"The first tuna brings a prosperous start," stated the business owner, a familiar figure at the yearly new year's auction.
Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is noted for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price soared rapidly."
This new acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to shatter his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its restaurants throughout the country.
The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year begins," shared one satisfied diner.
