Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Unprecedented Bid of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction

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

The successful bid for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the operator of a well-known sushi chain, which operates restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.

"The first tuna signals a prosperous start," commented the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the annual new year's auction.

Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious new year auctions.

Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder told the press that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," adding, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price soared rapidly."

This new purchase tops his previous historic purchases:

• He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
• He spent 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 "overdid it," he has now managed to shatter his own record another time.

An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids

The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which announced the fish would be available at its eateries across Japan.

The frenetic energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.

From Auction to Plate

The extremely valuable tuna was promptly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi chains soon after the auction concluded.

"I believe like I've commenced the year in a positive way after consuming something so lucky as the year begins," remarked one happy diner.