Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Price of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction

A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year.

The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages outlets across the country and abroad.

"The year's tuna brings good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular participant at the annual January sale.

Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is renowned for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.

Auction Shock and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared before you knew it."

This latest purchase surpasses his own notable purchases:

• He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
• He spent 155 million yen a year later.
• In 2019, he won 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 shatter his personal record yet again.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different food company, which stated the fish would be featured at its locations throughout the country.

The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

Swift Service

The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for patrons at the winner's sushi establishments immediately after the auction concluded.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a good way after eating something so auspicious as the year gets underway," said one elated customer.