Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Historic Price of $3.2m at Japanese Capital Auction

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

The winning offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi chain, which runs locations across the country and internationally.

"The first tuna brings fortune," commented the company president, a regular bidder at the annual January sale.

Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this businessman is renowned for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions.

Auction Shock and Historic Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," stating, "I had thought we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price escalated in no time."

This new purchase exceeds his own record purchases:

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

Even after previously saying that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to shatter his own record yet again.

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide.

The frenetic activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no exception.

Immediate Consumption

The multi-million-dollar tuna was shortly thereafter processed for diners at the bidder's sushi chains shortly after the auction was finished.

"I feel like I've commenced the year in a positive way after eating something so auspicious as the year starts," remarked one satisfied patron.