Bluefin Tuna Sells for Historic Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction
A massive bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the calendar year.
The top bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages locations domestically and internationally.
"The first tuna brings good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a regular participant at the yearly first sale.
Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this businessman is renowned for placing record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past
After the auction, the winner admitted to the press that he was "astonished at the winning bid," stating, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."
This most recent acquisition tops his own historic purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to shatter his own record once again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously associated with exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be served at its locations across Japan.
The frenetic activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.
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The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi establishments shortly after the auction ended.
"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," shared one satisfied patron.
