Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Record Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

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

The winning bid for the 535-pound fish came from the company of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which manages locations domestically and overseas.

"The year's tuna heralds good luck," remarked the business owner, a regular bidder at the annual first sale.

Known as the Tuna King, this entrepreneur is famous for making substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic year-opening auctions.

Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past

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

This new acquisition surpasses his previous record purchases:

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

Despite once remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to surpass his own record yet again.

An Annual Spectacle of High Prices

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

The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has become a popular event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

From Auction to Plate

The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter processed for customers at the winner's sushi establishments shortly after the auction concluded.

"I feel like I've started the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," said one happy customer.