Bluefin Fish Sells for Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale

A substantial bluefin tuna made headlines at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the year.

The successful bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a well-known sushi chain, which operates locations across the country and abroad.

"The first tuna heralds fortune," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the annual first sale.

Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is renowned for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Historic Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to the press that he was "taken aback at the final price," noting, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it."

This latest purchase 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 acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).

Despite once saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to break his personal record another time.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which announced the fish would be featured at its locations across Japan.

The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.

Immediate Consumption

The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly prepared for patrons at the entrepreneur's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a positive way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," remarked one satisfied diner.