Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.
The successful bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages locations domestically and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna heralds good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the traditional first sale.
Dubbed the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is renowned for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Historic Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "taken aback at the final price," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared in no time."
This latest purchase tops his own notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to shatter his own record yet again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries throughout the country.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
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The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for customers at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've begun the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year starts," remarked one happy diner.
