đź”— Share this article Bluefin Fish Sells for Record Bid of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale A familiar auction figure is a regular presence at the traditional event. A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; ÂŁ2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year. The top offer for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the company of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates outlets throughout Japan and overseas. "An inaugural tuna brings good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the traditional first sale. Known as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is renowned for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions. Auction Surprise and Historic Past After the auction, the winner informed reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," stating, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed in no time." This latest acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases: He paid 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 ($2.1m). Despite once saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record yet again. A Tradition of High Prices The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which indicated the fish would be featured at its locations nationwide. The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no exception. Swift Service The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly prepared for patrons at the winner's sushi restaurants soon after the auction was finished. "I sense like I've started the year in a positive way after tasting something so lucky as the year starts," remarked one satisfied customer.
A familiar auction figure is a regular presence at the traditional event. A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; ÂŁ2.4m) during the venue's inaugural auction of the year. The top offer for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the company of a nationwide sushi chain, which operates outlets throughout Japan and overseas. "An inaugural tuna brings good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the traditional first sale. Known as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is renowned for submitting substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions. Auction Surprise and Historic Past After the auction, the winner informed reporters that he was "taken aback at the winning bid," stating, "I expected we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed in no time." This latest acquisition exceeds his previous record purchases: He paid 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 ($2.1m). Despite once saying that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to surpass his personal record yet again. A Tradition of High Prices The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally associated with exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which indicated the fish would be featured at its locations nationwide. The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a popular tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no exception. Swift Service The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly prepared for patrons at the winner's sushi restaurants soon after the auction was finished. "I sense like I've started the year in a positive way after tasting something so lucky as the year starts," remarked one satisfied customer.