Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Historic Price of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction

A massive bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.

The successful bid for the 535-pound fish was placed by the company of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates restaurants domestically and overseas.

"The first tuna brings a prosperous start," commented the business owner, a regular participant at the annual new year's auction.

Referred to as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is renowned for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions.

Auction Surprise and Historic Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder told journalists that he was "taken aback at the amount," adding, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."

This most recent purchase exceeds his own notable purchases:

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

Despite previously remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to shatter his own record once again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally characterized by exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be available at its eateries nationwide.

The frenetic activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a popular spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

Immediate Consumption

The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly processed for diners at the entrepreneur's sushi chains soon after the auction ended.

"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," shared one happy patron.