Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the 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 new year.

The top offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages outlets throughout Japan and overseas.

"The first tuna brings good luck," commented the company president, a regular participant at the yearly January sale.

Dubbed the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is noted for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Historic Precedent

After the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "astonished at the final price," noting, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price escalated rapidly."

This new acquisition exceeds his own historic purchases:

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

Even after once remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record yet again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries throughout the country.

The frenetic energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

From Auction to Plate

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

"I feel like I've commenced the year in a good way after consuming something so lucky as the year gets underway," remarked one happy patron.