Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction
A substantial bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the calendar year.
The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the company of a well-known sushi chain, which runs outlets across the country and abroad.
"The year's tuna signals fortune," remarked the company president, a notable bidder at the traditional first sale.
Referred to as the King of Tuna, this businessman is renowned for making substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to the press that he was "taken aback at the amount," adding, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This most recent acquisition tops his own record purchases:
- He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to shatter his personal record yet again.
A Tradition of High Prices
The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously known for exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be served at its locations nationwide.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one elated customer.
