Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Unprecedented Bid of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale

A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year.

The successful bid for the 243-kilogram fish came from the operator of a popular sushi chain, which operates outlets across the country and abroad.

"An inaugural tuna heralds good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular bidder at the traditional new year's auction.

Referred to as the King of Tuna, this entrepreneur is famous for making record bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.

Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the winner admitted to the press that he was "surprised at the final price," stating, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price soared in no time."

This latest purchase exceeds his own historic purchases:

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

Despite once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his personal record once again.

An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids

The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be available at its locations across Japan.

The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has become a major event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

From Auction to Plate

The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for customers at the bidder's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction ended.

"I feel like I've begun the year in a positive way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," shared one satisfied customer.