Pacific Bluefin Tuna Sells for Historic Bid of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction

A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, achieving a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the new year.

The winning offer for the 243kg fish came from the operator of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which runs restaurants across the country and abroad.

"The year's tuna signals good luck," remarked the business owner, a familiar participant at the traditional first sale.

Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is renowned for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions.

Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Past

Following the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," stating, "I had thought we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."

This most recent acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases:

• He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012.
• He paid 155 million yen a year later.
• In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million).

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

A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids

The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously known for exceptionally high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which announced the fish would be served at its eateries throughout the country.

The intense activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has evolved into a must-see 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 sliced up for patrons at the bidder's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded.

"I sense like I've begun the year in a positive way after tasting something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," shared one satisfied diner.