Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction

A substantial bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the year.

The winning offer for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi chain, which runs locations across the country and internationally.

"An inaugural tuna heralds a prosperous start," remarked the business owner, a notable participant at the traditional January sale.

Known as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is renowned for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile January auctions.

Auction Surprise and Historic Precedent

After the auction, the winner admitted to reporters that he was "taken aback at the final price," stating, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price escalated in no time."

This most recent purchase exceeds his previous historic purchases:

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

Despite previously remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to break his personal record another time.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically known for sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be served at its locations nationwide.

The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

From Auction to Plate

The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi chains soon after the auction was finished.

"I sense like I've started the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year begins," said one satisfied customer.