The first tuna auction of the year at Tokyo’s famed Tsukiji market is a competitive event.

Winning the bid for the first fish is believed to bring good luck for the coming year.

Sushi chain owner Kyoshi Kimura had the winning bid yesterday.

It’s the third year in a row he gets to take home the prize catch.

“It’s my best day. I’m happy. It’s a happy world.”

He landed the 180kg bluefin at a bargain 25,000 yen per kilo (€175) − about a 20 per cent discount to last year’s price.

He said he was “surprised to win the bid at such a low price.”

I’m satisfied with buying the best one − it has a good shape and great fat

“But it’s the best quality,” he told local media.

“I’m satisfied with buying the best one − it has a good shape and great fat.”

Still, that adds up to four-and-a-half million yen − or about €31,000.

The bluefin is a delicacy known for its tender meat.

Lucky diners at the main outlet of Komura’s Suzhi Zanmai restaurant will pay the regular price for a slice of the premium meat.

The decline in the price was due to a lack of rival bids and a much higher number of bluefins in Japan’s waters, especially off the northern coast, a prime spot for tuna fishing.

Bluefin tends to be the most expensive fish at the Tokyo market, Tsukiji, which is the biggest fish and seafood market in the world.