Pacific Bluefin Tuna Commands Historic Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction

A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the year.

The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the company of a well-known sushi chain, which runs locations domestically and abroad.

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

Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Historic Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "surprised at the amount," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."

This latest acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases:

• He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He paid 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 proceeded to break his own record once again.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is notoriously known for exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be served at its eateries nationwide.

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

Immediate Consumption

The record-priced tuna was quickly processed for customers at the bidder's sushi chains immediately after the auction ended.

"I feel like I've started the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so lucky as the year gets underway," remarked one satisfied diner.