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

A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the year.

The top bid for the 243kg fish came from the company of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages restaurants across the country and internationally.

"An inaugural tuna brings a prosperous start," stated the business owner, a regular figure at the traditional new year's auction.

Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for placing substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.

Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder told journalists that he was "astonished at the final price," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared in no time."

This latest purchase tops his previous record purchases:

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

Even after once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record yet again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another food company, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries across Japan.

The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

From Auction to Plate

The record-priced tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.

"I sense like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after eating something so lucky as the year begins," said one satisfied customer.