🔗 Share this article Bluefin Tuna Fetches Historic Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale The winning bidder is a regular presence at the yearly event. A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year. The top offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which manages locations throughout Japan and overseas. "An inaugural tuna signals good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular figure at the traditional first sale. Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for submitting record bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions. Auction Shock and Record-Setting Precedent Following the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time." This latest purchase tops his own notable purchases: He paid 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). Even after previously saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to surpass his personal record yet again. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country. The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception. Swift Service The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for diners at the winner's sushi chains soon after the auction was finished. "I believe like I've started the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," said one satisfied patron.
The winning bidder is a regular presence at the yearly event. A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year. The top offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which manages locations throughout Japan and overseas. "An inaugural tuna signals good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular figure at the traditional first sale. Known as the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for submitting record bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions. Auction Shock and Record-Setting Precedent Following the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "surprised at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time." This latest purchase tops his own notable purchases: He paid 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). Even after previously saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to surpass his personal record yet again. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be featured at its eateries throughout the country. The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception. Swift Service The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for diners at the winner's sushi chains soon after the auction was finished. "I believe like I've started the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," said one satisfied patron.