Pacific Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction
A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the new year.
The top offer for the 535-pound fish was placed by the operator of a popular sushi chain, which runs restaurants across the country and internationally.
"The first tuna signals good luck," stated the business owner, a notable figure at the annual January sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is renowned for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.
Auction Surprise and Historic Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "astonished at the amount," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price escalated before you knew it."
This new acquisition tops his own notable purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Despite previously remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be available at its locations across Japan.
The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has transformed into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
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The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for diners at the winner's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," said one elated customer.
