Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Record Price of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale

A massive bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year.

The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets domestically and internationally.

"The first tuna heralds good luck," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the traditional January sale.

Dubbed the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.

Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the winner informed reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," noting, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price escalated rapidly."

This most recent acquisition surpasses his previous historic purchases:

• He bid 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 once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his personal record yet again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be featured at its restaurants nationwide.

The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

Immediate Consumption

The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly processed for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after eating something so lucky as the year begins," shared one elated diner.