Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Historic Price of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo New Year Sale

A bulky Pacific bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the year.

The top offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi chain, which runs outlets throughout Japan and abroad.

"An inaugural tuna brings a prosperous start," commented the entrepreneur, a notable figure at the annual new year's auction.

Dubbed the King of Tuna, this industry figure is noted for placing high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.

Bidding Shock and Historic Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder told reporters that he was "surprised at the amount," noting, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."

This most recent purchase surpasses his own record purchases:

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

Even after once saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to break his own record another time.

A Tradition of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously characterized by exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate food company, which indicated the fish would be served at its eateries throughout the country.

The high-energy energy at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling.

Swift Service

The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter prepared for customers at the winner's sushi chains soon after the auction was finished.

"I sense like I've commenced the year in a good way after eating something so lucky as the year starts," remarked one elated customer.