Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.

The successful offer for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.

"An inaugural tuna brings good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a familiar bidder at the yearly first sale.

Dubbed the King of Tuna, this industry figure is famous for placing substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.

Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "taken aback at the amount," stating, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed in no time."

This new acquisition surpasses his previous record purchases:

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

Even after once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to shatter his personal record another time.

A Tradition of High Prices

The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants nationwide.

The high-energy energy 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 equally bustling.

From Auction to Plate

The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for customers at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants immediately after the auction was finished.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a positive way after tasting something so auspicious as the year begins," remarked one happy patron.