🔗 Share this article Bluefin Fish Commands Historic Price of $3.2 million at Japanese Capital Auction A familiar auction figure is a prominent participant at the annual bidding war. A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the calendar year. The winning offer for the 243-kilogram fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages locations throughout Japan and overseas. "An inaugural tuna brings good luck," commented the company president, a notable participant at the yearly January sale. Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions. Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent Following the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "astonished at the amount," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared in no time." This new purchase surpasses his own historic purchases: He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He bid 155 million yen the following year. In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars). Even after previously remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his personal record another time. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which announced the fish would be served at its locations nationwide. The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has transformed into a must-see tourist attraction 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 entrepreneur's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded. "I feel like I've commenced the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one satisfied diner.
A familiar auction figure is a prominent participant at the annual bidding war. A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen ($3.2m; £2.4m) during the venue's first auction of the calendar year. The winning offer for the 243-kilogram fish was placed by the parent firm of a popular sushi restaurant group, which manages locations throughout Japan and overseas. "An inaugural tuna brings good luck," commented the company president, a notable participant at the yearly January sale. Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this entrepreneur is famous for submitting substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions. Auction Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent Following the auction, the successful bidder informed reporters that he was "astonished at the amount," noting, "I expected we would be able to purchase it a little for less, but the price soared in no time." This new purchase surpasses his own historic purchases: He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He bid 155 million yen the following year. In 2019, he purchased a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars). Even after previously remarking that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to break his personal record another time. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The opening auction at the Tokyo fish market is traditionally known for exceptionally high prices. In the prior year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by a separate culinary group, which announced the fish would be served at its locations nationwide. The intense atmosphere at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has transformed into a must-see tourist attraction 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 entrepreneur's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded. "I feel like I've commenced the year in a good way after consuming something so auspicious as the year gets underway," remarked one satisfied diner.