Pacific Bluefin Fish Commands Unprecedented Bid of $3.2m at Tokyo Auction

A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the year.

The winning bid for the 535-pound fish was placed by the operator of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which runs outlets across the country and abroad.

"The year's tuna brings a prosperous start," stated the business owner, a notable bidder at the traditional first sale.

Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is renowned for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Historic Past

After the auction, the winner informed journalists that he was "surprised at the final price," adding, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."

This latest acquisition surpasses his previous historic purchases:

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

Despite once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to shatter his own record yet again.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be available at its locations throughout the country.

The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.

Swift Service

The record-priced tuna was shortly thereafter sliced up for diners at the winner's sushi establishments soon after the auction concluded.

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