Bluefin Tuna Fetches Record Price of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction
A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.
The top offer for the 243kg fish came from the company of a well-known sushi chain, which operates locations across the country and overseas.
"The year's tuna signals good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a familiar bidder at the yearly first sale.
Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is renowned for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.
Bidding Surprise and Historic Past
Following the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed in no time."
This latest acquisition tops his previous historic purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He paid 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to surpass his own record yet again.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which indicated the fish would be served at its locations nationwide.
The frenetic energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
Immediate Consumption
The record-priced tuna was promptly prepared for patrons at the bidder's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," shared one happy diner.
