Bluefin Tuna Sells for Historic Sum of $3.2 million at Tokyo New Year Sale

A substantial bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a record-breaking bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's opening auction of the year.

The winning offer for the 243kg fish was placed by the operator of a well-known sushi chain, which runs outlets throughout Japan and overseas.

"The first tuna signals a prosperous start," remarked the entrepreneur, a regular participant at the annual January sale.

Dubbed the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for placing record bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions.

Auction Shock and Historic Precedent

Following the auction, the successful bidder admitted to journalists that he was "astonished at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to buy it a little for less, but the price skyrocketed before you knew it."

This latest purchase exceeds his own record purchases:

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

Despite once commenting that he thought he "bid too high," he has now managed to surpass his personal record once again.

A Tradition of High Prices

The inaugural auction at the Tokyo fish market is notoriously characterized by exceptionally high prices. Last year, the first tuna was bought for 207 million yen by another sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be available at its restaurants throughout the country.

The frenetic atmosphere at the fish market during these early morning auctions has become a must-see event in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which began around 05:00 local time, was no different.

From Auction to Plate

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

"I believe like I've started the year in a positive way after tasting something so lucky as the year gets underway," remarked one happy customer.