A massive Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year.
The successful offer for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the operator of a nationwide sushi chain, which manages restaurants domestically and overseas.
"An inaugural tuna brings good luck," remarked the company president, a notable participant at the traditional first sale.
Known as the King of Tuna, this industry figure is noted for making high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic new year auctions.
Bidding Shock and Record-Setting Precedent
Following the auction, the winner admitted to the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little at a lower price, but the price soared in no time."
This latest purchase tops his own record purchases:
- He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
- He spent 155 million yen the following year.
- In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).
Even after previously remarking that he thought he "did too much," he has now gone on to surpass his personal record once again.
An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids
The inaugural auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide.
The high-energy atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has transformed into a must-see tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.
Swift Service
The extremely valuable tuna was quickly sliced up for customers at the bidder's sushi restaurants immediately after the auction concluded.
"I believe like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year gets underway," remarked one elated customer.
