Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Bid of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction

A substantial bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the calendar year.

The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a popular sushi chain, which operates locations across the country and abroad.

"The first tuna heralds fortune," stated the business owner, a familiar figure at the traditional new year's auction.

Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is famous for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.

Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to the press that he was "taken aback at the amount," stating, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time."

This latest acquisition tops his previous historic purchases:

• He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He paid 155 million yen a year later.
• In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).

Even after once remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to break his personal record once again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously associated with sky-high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.

The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

From Auction to Plate

The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments immediately after the auction was finished.

"I sense like I've begun the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," shared one happy patron.