Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Unprecedented Bid of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

A substantial bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the calendar year.

The successful bid for the 535-pound fish came from the operator of a popular sushi chain, which runs locations throughout Japan and internationally.

"The year's tuna heralds good luck," stated the company president, a regular participant at the traditional first sale.

Known as the King of Tuna, this businessman is noted for submitting high bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.

Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "surprised at the final price," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price skyrocketed rapidly."

This new acquisition surpasses his own notable purchases:

• He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He bid 155 million yen a year later.
• In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars).

Despite previously saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now proceeded to surpass his own record once again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exorbitant prices. The previous year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be served at its restaurants throughout the country.

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

From Auction to Plate

The extremely valuable tuna was promptly processed for customers at the entrepreneur's sushi establishments soon after the auction was finished.

"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after eating something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," shared one elated patron.