Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction
A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; ÂĢ2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the year.
The winning bid for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates restaurants domestically and internationally.
"The first tuna brings good luck," stated the company president, a regular figure at the annual January sale.
Referred to as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is renowned for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions.
Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Past
Following the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "surprised at the amount," adding, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price escalated rapidly."
This new purchase exceeds his own notable purchases:
- He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).
Despite previously saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now managed to shatter his own record yet again.
An Annual Spectacle of High Prices
The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by exorbitant prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which announced the fish would be available at its eateries throughout the country.
The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Immediate Consumption
The record-priced tuna was promptly processed for patrons at the winner's sushi chains shortly after the auction concluded.
"I feel like I've begun the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one elated customer.
