Bluefin Fish Fetches Historic Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale
A massive bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the calendar year.
The winning bid for the 243-kilogram fish came from the company of a well-known sushi chain, which runs restaurants throughout Japan and overseas.
"The year's tuna heralds good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a familiar figure at the traditional January sale.
Referred to as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is renowned for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.
Auction Shock and Historic Past
After the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared before you knew it."
This new acquisition surpasses his previous 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 purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Even after once saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to shatter his own record another time.
A Tradition of High Prices
The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different food company, which stated the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.
The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Swift Service
The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants immediately 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," shared one satisfied diner.
