Bluefin Tuna Fetches Unprecedented Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

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

The top offer for the 535-pound fish was submitted by the company of a popular sushi chain, which runs restaurants across the country and overseas.

"An inaugural tuna signals a prosperous start," commented the entrepreneur, a notable participant at the yearly new year's auction.

Referred to as the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for placing substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "astonished at the amount," stating, "I expected we would be able to acquire it a little for less, but the price escalated before you knew it."

This most recent acquisition exceeds his previous notable purchases:

• He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012.
• He bid 155 million yen the following year.
• In 2019, he acquired 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 proceeded to break his personal record once again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The first auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a different food company, which announced the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.

The frenetic activity at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has evolved into a major tourist attraction in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which started around 05:00 local time, was no different.

Swift Service

The multi-million-dollar tuna was promptly processed for diners at the winner's sushi chains immediately after the auction was finished.

"I feel like I've begun the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year starts," shared one satisfied patron.