Bluefin Fish Fetches Record Bid of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale

A massive bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year.

The successful bid for the 243kg fish came from the operator of a well-known sushi chain, which operates restaurants throughout Japan and internationally.

"The year's tuna brings good luck," remarked the business owner, a notable figure at the traditional January sale.

Dubbed the King of Tuna, this businessman is famous for placing substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.

Auction Shock and Historic Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "taken aback at the amount," noting, "I had thought we would be able to buy it a little at a lower price, but the price soared before you knew it."

This most recent acquisition surpasses his own historic purchases:

• He secured a tuna for 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
• He paid 155 million yen in 2013.
• In 2019, he acquired a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).

Even after previously commenting that he thought he "did too much," he has now proceeded to shatter his personal record once again.

An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids

The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally characterized by sky-high prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another culinary group, which announced the fish would be served at its eateries across Japan.

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

From Auction to Plate

The extremely valuable tuna was quickly processed for patrons at the winner's sushi chains immediately after the auction was finished.

"I feel like I've commenced the year in a good way after tasting something so auspicious as the year gets underway," said one happy customer.