Bluefin Fish Commands Record Bid of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction

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

The winning offer for the 243kg fish was submitted by the parent firm of a well-known sushi chain, which operates outlets across the country and abroad.

"The year's tuna brings fortune," commented the company president, a regular participant at the traditional January sale.

Referred to as the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.

Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past

After the auction, the winner informed journalists that he was "astonished at the winning bid," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."

This latest purchase exceeds his own historic purchases:

• He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He bid 155 million yen in 2013.
• In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).

Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to break his own record once again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically known for exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which indicated the fish would be available at its eateries across Japan.

The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different.

Swift Service

The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for patrons at the bidder's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded.

"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," said one happy customer.