Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the new year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which runs restaurants domestically and overseas.
"The year's tuna heralds fortune," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the traditional first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is noted for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "surprised at the final price," stating, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time."
This latest acquisition exceeds his previous notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his own record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants throughout the country.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
Swift Service
The record-priced tuna was promptly processed for customers at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments immediately after the auction ended.
"I feel like I've commenced the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts," shared one elated patron.
