Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Price of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale
A substantial bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; ÂŁ2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the calendar year.
The top offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations domestically and abroad.
"The first tuna brings good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular participant at the traditional first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this businessman is famous for placing high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Historic Past
Following the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," noting, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price escalated in no time."
This latest purchase surpasses his previous historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to shatter his personal record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously associated with exorbitant prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its restaurants throughout the country.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly prepared for patrons at the bidder's sushi establishments shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so lucky as the year gets underway," remarked one satisfied diner.
