🔗 Share this article Pacific Bluefin Fish Fetches Record Price of 3.2 million dollars at Japanese Capital Auction A familiar auction figure is a well-known face at the annual event. A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year. The winning bid for the 243kg fish was submitted by the operator of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages locations across the country and abroad. "An inaugural tuna heralds a prosperous start," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the yearly January sale. Referred to as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is famous for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions. Auction Shock and Historic Past Following the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "astonished at the final price," noting, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed in no time." This new purchase tops his previous historic purchases: He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He paid 155 million yen the following year. In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars). Even after previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his personal record yet again. A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries across Japan. The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception. Swift Service The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for patrons at the winner's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended. "I sense like I've started the year in a good way after eating something so lucky as the year begins," shared one elated diner.
A familiar auction figure is a well-known face at the annual event. A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year. The winning bid for the 243kg fish was submitted by the operator of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages locations across the country and abroad. "An inaugural tuna heralds a prosperous start," remarked the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the yearly January sale. Referred to as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is famous for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious January auctions. Auction Shock and Historic Past Following the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "astonished at the final price," noting, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed in no time." This new purchase tops his previous historic purchases: He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He paid 155 million yen the following year. In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars). Even after previously commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his personal record yet again. A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is typically characterized by exorbitant prices. Last year, the initial tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which stated the fish would be available at its eateries across Japan. The intense activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no exception. Swift Service The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for patrons at the winner's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended. "I sense like I've started the year in a good way after eating something so lucky as the year begins," shared one elated diner.