Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fetches Historic Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.

The successful bid for the 535-pound fish came from the company of a well-known sushi chain, which operates outlets domestically and internationally.

"The first tuna heralds a prosperous start," commented the company president, a familiar participant at the traditional first sale.

Known as the Tuna King, this businessman is noted for placing high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.

Bidding Shock and Historic Past

After the auction, the winner informed reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."

This most recent acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases:

• He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
• He bid 155 million yen the following year.
• In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).

Even after once remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to break his own record once again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country.

The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has become a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.

From Auction to Plate

The record-priced tuna was promptly prepared for customers at the bidder's sushi establishments soon after the auction was finished.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a good way after consuming something so lucky as the year begins," remarked one elated diner.