Tokyo, Japan — The New Year auction at Tokyo’s renowned Toyosu fish market kicked off with an astonishing highlight as a colossal bluefin tuna fetched a staggering 510 million yen, equivalent to approximately $3.2 million. This remarkable sale marks a new record for the highest bid during this highly anticipated event.

The prized fish, weighing a hefty 243 kilograms (535 pounds), was secured by Kiyomura Corp., led by owner Kiyoshi Kimura, famous for his Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. Kimura, who has claimed top honors at this annual auction multiple times, surpassed his own previous record of 334 million yen set in 2019.

While admitting he expected to spend significantly less, Kimura expressed surprise at how swiftly the auction escalated. “The price shot up before you knew it,” he remarked, reflecting on the competitive atmosphere of the bids.

As the pre-dawn auction commenced, an array of torpedo-shaped tuna, distinguished by their tails being removed for inspection, lined the floor. Bidders assessed the quality of the fish, meticulously examining elements such as color, texture, and fat content—criteria that significantly influence prices.

Caught off the coast of Oma, a region in northern Japan highly regarded for its top-tier tuna, the winning fish broke down to a staggering price of 2.1 million yen per kilogram, which converts to approximately $6,060 per pound.

“It’s in part for good luck,” Kimura shared, emphasizing his belief in the superstitions surrounding the first auction of the year. Despite not having tasted the tuna yet, he expressed confidence in its quality, stating, “When I see a good-looking tuna, I cannot resist… It’s got to be delicious.”

While hundreds of tuna are traded in the early hours of the auction daily, the prices notably surge during the New Year festivities, particularly for those from the Oma region. This year, the auction’s atmosphere balanced excitement and tradition, encapsulating the deep-rooted cultural significance of the event.

Over the years, the Pacific bluefin tuna has faced challenges, with its population once endangered by overfishing and climate change. However, thanks to recent conservation efforts, stocks are showing signs of recovery, offering a glimmer of hope for this valued species.

As the new year begins, the record-breaking sale at Toyosu symbolizes not only the demand for quality seafood in Japanese cuisine but also the continuing intersection of tradition and commerce in Japan’s culinary landscape.