Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale
A substantial bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year.
The successful bid for the 243kg fish came from the company of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which runs restaurants domestically and abroad.
"The first tuna brings fortune," commented the company president, a familiar participant at the traditional January sale.
Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the winner informed reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."
This new purchase exceeds his own historic purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He bid 155 million yen a year later.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).
Even after previously remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to surpass his personal record another time.
A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids
The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be featured at its restaurants across Japan.
The frenetic activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.
From Auction to Plate
The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for patrons at the bidder's sushi restaurants immediately after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've started the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year begins," said one satisfied diner.
