Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

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

The top offer for the 243kg fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages outlets domestically and abroad.

"The year's tuna brings fortune," commented the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the annual January sale.

Known as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.

Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time."

This new purchase exceeds his previous notable purchases:

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

Even after once commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to shatter his own record yet again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously characterized by sky-high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different food company, which indicated the fish would be available at its locations throughout the country.

The high-energy energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

Swift Service

The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for diners at the bidder's sushi chains immediately after the auction ended.

"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," said one happy patron.