Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Record Price of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction

A massive bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the calendar year.

The winning bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the operator of a popular sushi chain, which operates locations throughout Japan and overseas.

"An inaugural tuna brings fortune," remarked the business owner, a familiar participant at the annual first sale.

Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.

Auction Shock and Historic Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price escalated in no time."

This most recent acquisition tops his previous historic purchases:

• He bid 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 dollars).

Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his own record yet again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically known for exorbitant prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be featured at its restaurants across Japan.

The intense energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

From Auction to Plate

The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly processed for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a positive way after eating something so auspicious as the year begins," remarked one elated customer.