đź”— Share this article Bluefin Fish Commands Unprecedented Sum of $3.2m at Japanese Capital New Year Sale A familiar auction figure is a well-known face at the yearly event. A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; ÂŁ2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year. The winning bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets throughout Japan and abroad. "An inaugural tuna signals good luck," remarked the business owner, a familiar figure at the traditional new year's auction. Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is famous for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions. Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent Following the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "surprised at the amount," stating, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price escalated before you knew it." This new acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases: He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012. He spent 155 million yen in 2013. In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m). Even after once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to surpass his own record once again. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be featured at its eateries across Japan. The high-energy energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling. Swift Service The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded. "I feel like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," said one satisfied customer.
A familiar auction figure is a well-known face at the yearly event. A bulky bluefin tuna created waves at the Tokyo's Toyosu fish market this Monday, securing a historic bid of 510.3 million yen (3.2 million US dollars; ÂŁ2.4m) during the market's opening auction of the new year. The winning bid for the 243kg fish was placed by the parent firm of a nationwide sushi restaurant group, which operates outlets throughout Japan and abroad. "An inaugural tuna signals good luck," remarked the business owner, a familiar figure at the traditional new year's auction. Referred to as the Tuna Tycoon, this industry figure is famous for submitting high bids for premium bluefin tuna at these high-profile year-opening auctions. Bidding Surprise and Record-Setting Precedent Following the auction, the successful bidder informed the press that he was "surprised at the amount," stating, "I believed we would be able to purchase it a little cheaper, but the price escalated before you knew it." This new acquisition surpasses his previous notable purchases: He paid 56.5 million yen away in 2012. He spent 155 million yen in 2013. In 2019, he won a tuna for 333.6 million yen ($2.1m). Even after once saying that he thought he "bid too high," he has now gone on to surpass his own record once again. An Annual Spectacle of Exorbitant Bids The first auction at the Toyosu fish market is traditionally known for sky-high prices. The previous year, the initial tuna was acquired for 207 million yen by another food company, which indicated the fish would be featured at its eateries across Japan. The high-energy energy at the fish market during these pre-sunrise auctions has transformed into a must-see spectacle in Tokyo. Monday's auction, which commenced around 05:00 local time, was equally bustling. Swift Service The multi-million-dollar tuna was quickly sliced up for diners at the bidder's sushi restaurants soon after the auction concluded. "I feel like I've commenced the year in a auspicious way after consuming something so auspicious as the year begins," said one satisfied customer.