Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Price of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction

A massive bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.

The winning bid for the 535-pound fish came from the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages restaurants across the country and abroad.

"An inaugural tuna signals a prosperous start," stated the company president, a familiar participant at the yearly first sale.

Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for making substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past

After the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "surprised at the amount," stating, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price soared in no time."

This latest acquisition surpasses his own historic purchases:

• He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
• He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
• In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).

Even after previously commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to shatter his own record another time.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously known for sky-high prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country.

The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has transformed into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

Swift Service

The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter processed for patrons at the bidder's sushi establishments immediately after the auction ended.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a positive way after tasting something so auspicious as the year starts," shared one satisfied customer.