Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Price of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale

A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year.

The top bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations domestically and abroad.

"The year's tuna heralds good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular participant at the yearly first sale.

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

Bidding Shock and Historic Precedent

Following the auction, the winner told the press that he was "surprised at the amount," adding, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."

This latest purchase surpasses his previous historic purchases:

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

Despite previously saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to break his personal record yet again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its locations across Japan.

The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

Swift Service

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

"I feel like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so lucky as the year starts," shared one elated patron.