🔗 Share this article Bluefin Tuna Sells for Historic Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction The 'Tuna King' is a well-known presence at the annual event. A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the new year. The successful bid for the 535-pound fish came from the operator of a popular sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets throughout Japan and internationally. "An inaugural tuna heralds a prosperous start," stated the business owner, a regular bidder at the annual January sale. Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for placing substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions. Auction Surprise and Historic Precedent After the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it." This latest purchase surpasses his previous record purchases: He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012. He spent 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 "overdid it," he has now proceeded to break his own record another time. A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which indicated the fish would be served at its restaurants nationwide. The high-energy activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling. From Auction to Plate The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for diners at the bidder's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended. "I believe like I've begun the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," said one happy patron.
The 'Tuna King' is a well-known presence at the annual event. A massive Pacific bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the new year. The successful bid for the 535-pound fish came from the operator of a popular sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets throughout Japan and internationally. "An inaugural tuna heralds a prosperous start," stated the business owner, a regular bidder at the annual January sale. Dubbed the Tuna King, this industry figure is famous for placing substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these high-profile new year auctions. Auction Surprise and Historic Precedent After the auction, the successful bidder informed journalists that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to acquire it a little cheaper, but the price soared before you knew it." This latest purchase surpasses his previous record purchases: He bid 56.5 million yen away in 2012. He spent 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 "overdid it," he has now proceeded to break his own record another time. A Tradition of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically associated with sky-high prices. The previous year, the first tuna was purchased for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which indicated the fish would be served at its restaurants nationwide. The high-energy activity at the fish market during these early morning auctions has evolved into a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling. From Auction to Plate The record-priced tuna was quickly prepared for diners at the bidder's sushi establishments soon after the auction ended. "I believe like I've begun the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year starts," said one happy patron.