Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fetches Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 243-kilogram fish came from the company of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates outlets domestically and overseas.
"The year's tuna heralds a prosperous start," commented the company president, a notable participant at the annual first sale.
Referred to as the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the winner informed journalists that he was "astonished at the winning bid," stating, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price soared before you knew it."
This new purchase surpasses his previous historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite once remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to break his own record once again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different food company, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants throughout the country.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was promptly processed for customers at the winner's sushi establishments immediately after the auction concluded.
"I sense like I've begun the year in a auspicious way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," remarked one happy customer.