🔗 Share this article Bluefin Fish Commands Record Sum of 3.2 million dollars at Tokyo Auction The 'Tuna King' is a prominent participant at the traditional event. A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking 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 535-pound fish came from the company of a popular sushi chain, which operates locations throughout Japan and abroad. "The first tuna heralds good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a regular participant at the annual first sale. Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this businessman is renowned for placing substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions. Bidding Shock and Historic Past Following the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time." This most recent purchase surpasses his own record purchases: He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He spent 155 million yen a year later. In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars). Despite once commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to surpass his own record another time. A Tradition of High Prices The first 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 sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide. The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has transformed into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different. From Auction to Plate The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter processed for diners at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded. "I sense like I've commenced the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," said one happy patron.
The 'Tuna King' is a prominent participant at the traditional event. A bulky bluefin tuna caused a stir at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, garnering a record-breaking 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 535-pound fish came from the company of a popular sushi chain, which operates locations throughout Japan and abroad. "The first tuna heralds good luck," commented the entrepreneur, a regular participant at the annual first sale. Known as the Tuna Tycoon, this businessman is renowned for placing substantial bids for premium bluefin tuna at these symbolic January auctions. Bidding Shock and Historic Past Following the auction, the winner informed the press that he was "surprised at the winning bid," noting, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price escalated in no time." This most recent purchase surpasses his own record purchases: He paid 56.5 million yen back in 2012. He spent 155 million yen a year later. In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen (2.1 million dollars). Despite once commenting that he thought he "overdid it," he has now proceeded to surpass his own record another time. A Tradition of High Prices The first 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 sushi chain operator, which stated the fish would be featured at its eateries nationwide. The high-energy activity at the fish market during these pre-dawn auctions has transformed into a major spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was no different. From Auction to Plate The extremely valuable tuna was shortly thereafter processed for diners at the winner's sushi restaurants shortly after the auction concluded. "I sense like I've commenced the year in a positive way after consuming something so fortune-bringing as the year begins," said one happy patron.