Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Record Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's first auction of the calendar year.

The winning offer for the 535-pound fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which manages locations domestically and abroad.

"The first tuna heralds a prosperous start," remarked the entrepreneur, a familiar figure at the yearly January sale.

Referred to as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is noted for making high bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.

Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "astonished at the winning bid," adding, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price escalated in no time."

This most recent purchase surpasses his own historic purchases:

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

Even after previously remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to shatter his own record once again.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously known for exorbitant prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which stated the fish would be featured at its locations throughout the country.

The high-energy energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

From Auction to Plate

The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly prepared for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments shortly after the auction was finished.

"I sense like I've begun the year in a positive way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one elated patron.