🔗 Share this article Bluefin Fish Sells for Unprecedented Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo Auction The 'Tuna King' is a prominent face at the traditional event. A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the calendar year. The winning bid for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the parent firm of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which operates locations across the country and internationally. "The year's tuna heralds fortune," remarked the business owner, a regular participant at the annual first sale. Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions. Bidding Shock and Historic Precedent After the auction, the successful bidder admitted to reporters that he was "taken aback at the final price," adding, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time." This new acquisition tops his own historic purchases: He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He spent 155 million yen the following year. In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m). Even after once remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to break his own record yet again. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another food company, which stated the fish would be served at its locations 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 started around 05:00 local time, was no different. Immediate Consumption The extremely valuable tuna was promptly prepared for customers at the bidder's sushi chains immediately after the auction ended. "I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after consuming something so lucky as the year starts," shared one elated diner.
The 'Tuna King' is a prominent face at the traditional event. A substantial Pacific bluefin tuna made headlines at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a unprecedented bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million; £2.4m) during the market's inaugural auction of the calendar year. The winning bid for the 243-kilogram fish was submitted by the parent firm of a well-known sushi restaurant group, which operates locations across the country and internationally. "The year's tuna heralds fortune," remarked the business owner, a regular participant at the annual first sale. Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for making substantial bids for bluefin tuna at these auspicious year-opening auctions. Bidding Shock and Historic Precedent After the auction, the successful bidder admitted to reporters that he was "taken aback at the final price," adding, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little cheaper, but the price soared in no time." This new acquisition tops his own historic purchases: He bid 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He spent 155 million yen the following year. In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m). Even after once remarking that he thought he "overdid it," he has now managed to break his own record yet again. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Toyosu fish market is typically characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another food company, which stated the fish would be served at its locations 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 started around 05:00 local time, was no different. Immediate Consumption The extremely valuable tuna was promptly prepared for customers at the bidder's sushi chains immediately after the auction ended. "I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after consuming something so lucky as the year starts," shared one elated diner.