Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Unprecedented Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the new year.
The winning offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the operator of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which operates restaurants across the country and overseas.
"The year's tuna heralds a prosperous start," stated the entrepreneur, a familiar figure at the yearly new year's auction.
Dubbed the King of Tuna, this industry figure is noted for submitting record 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 the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," stating, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This most recent purchase surpasses his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to shatter his own record once again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously characterized by sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Immediate Consumption
The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly prepared for customers at the bidder's sushi chains immediately after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've started the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so auspicious as the year starts," shared one elated diner.
