Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Unprecedented Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines 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 opening auction of the calendar year.

The top offer for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which runs locations across the country and abroad.

"The first tuna signals fortune," commented the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the traditional first sale.

Known as the Tuna King, this businessman is famous for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.

Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "astonished at the final price," adding, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price escalated rapidly."

This latest acquisition exceeds his previous 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 previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to break his own record yet again.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants throughout the country.

The high-energy 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 no different.

Immediate Consumption

The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments shortly after the auction was finished.

"I believe like I've started the year in a auspicious way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," shared one elated customer.