Bluefin Tuna Commands Unprecedented Bid of $3.2m at Tokyo Auction
A massive bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the calendar year.
The top bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the operator of a well-known sushi chain, which operates outlets across the country and abroad.
"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," stated the business owner, a notable figure at the annual first sale.
Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Historic Precedent
After the auction, the successful bidder admitted to reporters that he was "astonished at the final price," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it."
This most recent acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to shatter his own record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another food company, which announced the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.
The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Immediate Consumption
The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter processed for customers at the bidder's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended.
"I feel like I've started the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so lucky as the year begins," said one satisfied customer.
