Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale

A massive bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the calendar year.

The top bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations domestically and abroad.

"The year's tuna brings fortune," remarked the business owner, a familiar figure at the annual new year's auction.

Dubbed the Tuna King, this businessman is famous for making record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent

Following the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," stating, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."

This latest purchase exceeds his own record purchases:

• He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He spent 155 million yen a year later.
• In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m).

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

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be available at its locations nationwide.

The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

Immediate Consumption

The record-priced tuna was promptly processed for patrons at the bidder's sushi establishments soon after the auction was finished.

"I believe like I've started the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," said one elated customer.