Bluefin Tuna Sells for Unprecedented Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction

A substantial 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 venue's opening auction of the calendar year.

The successful bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the company of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which runs outlets throughout Japan and internationally.

"The first tuna signals fortune," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the annual January sale.

Referred to as the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.

Auction Surprise and Historic Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "surprised at the final price," noting, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price escalated rapidly."

This most recent purchase surpasses his own historic purchases:

• He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
• In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).

Despite once saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to shatter his personal record once again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.

The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.

Swift Service

The record-priced tuna was quickly sliced up for customers at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.

"I believe like I've started the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," shared one elated customer.