Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Bid of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale

A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines 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 market's first auction of the year.

The winning offer for the 243kg fish came from the parent firm of a well-known sushi chain, which runs outlets across the country and internationally.

"The year's tuna brings good luck," stated the company president, a familiar participant at the yearly January sale.

Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is noted for placing record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.

Auction Surprise and Historic Past

After the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time."

This most recent acquisition surpasses his own record purchases:

• He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He spent 155 million yen a year later.
• In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).

Even after once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to break his own record another time.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which indicated the fish would be featured at its locations throughout the country.

The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

Immediate Consumption

The extremely valuable tuna was quickly prepared for patrons at the winner's sushi chains immediately after the auction ended.

"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts," remarked one elated customer.