Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction

A massive bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the calendar year.

The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was placed by the company of a popular sushi chain, which operates restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.

"An inaugural tuna signals fortune," stated the company president, a regular bidder at the yearly new year's auction.

Referred to as the Tuna King, this industry figure is noted for submitting record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.

Auction Shock and Record-Setting Precedent

Following the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "astonished at the amount," noting, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."

This new purchase exceeds his own record purchases:

• He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He spent 155 million yen a year later.
• In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).

Despite once commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to break his own record once again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be available at its restaurants throughout the country.

The intense energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a popular tourist attraction 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 prepared for diners at the winner's sushi establishments shortly after the auction ended.

"I believe like I've started the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," said one satisfied patron.