Pacific Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Sum of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction

A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year.

The successful bid for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the company of a well-known sushi chain, which manages restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.

"An inaugural tuna signals fortune," remarked the entrepreneur, a familiar figure at the traditional first sale.

Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is famous for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions.

Auction Shock and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price soared before you knew it."

This latest acquisition tops his previous record purchases:

• He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He bid 155 million yen in 2013.
• In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).

Even after previously remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record another time.

A Tradition of High Prices

The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be served at its locations across Japan.

The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.

Swift Service

The record-priced tuna was promptly sliced up for customers at the entrepreneur's sushi chains shortly after the auction concluded.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so auspicious as the year starts," shared one elated diner.