Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Record Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the new year.
The top bid for the 243kg fish was submitted by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages locations domestically and abroad.
"The first tuna brings a prosperous start," stated the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the annual January sale.
Referred to as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is noted for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Historic Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "surprised at the final price," stating, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it."
This latest acquisition tops his own notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Even after once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record another time.
A Tradition of High Prices
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by exorbitant prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which stated the fish would be featured at its restaurants nationwide.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.
From Auction to Plate
The record-priced tuna was quickly processed for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants soon after the auction was finished.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," said one satisfied diner.
