Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction

A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's 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 opening auction of the year.

The successful bid for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which runs locations across the country and internationally.

"An inaugural tuna heralds a prosperous start," remarked the business owner, a regular participant at the traditional new year's auction.

Dubbed the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting record bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to reporters that he was "astonished at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed in no time."

This new purchase surpasses his own historic purchases:

• He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He spent 155 million yen in 2013.
• In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).

Even after once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to shatter his own record yet again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with exorbitant prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be available at its locations throughout the country.

The intense energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

Swift Service

The extremely valuable tuna was promptly sliced up for patrons at the bidder's sushi chains soon after the auction concluded.

"I believe like I've begun the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," shared one elated customer.