TOKYO (AP) - A record-breaking bluefin tuna weighing 243 kilograms (535 pounds) sold for an astonishing 510 million yen ($3.2 million) during the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market. This remarkable event took place during a predawn auction on Monday, January 5, 2026.
The winning bidder for this highly coveted fish was Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, who operates the popular Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. Kimura has a history of success at these auctions, having previously set the record for the highest bid at 334 million yen ($2.1 million) in 2019. Despite the hefty price tag, Kimura expressed that he hoped to spend less, stating, "the price shot up before you knew it."
The auction process officially commenced with the ringing of a bell, and the auction floor was filled with numerous torpedo-shaped bluefin tuna, each with their tails removed to allow bidders to assess crucial details pertaining to the fish's quality, such as color, texture, and fat content. The extraordinary tuna that commanded such a high price was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, a region renowned for producing some of the finest bluefin tuna in the country. The price per kilogram for this premium fish amounted to 2.1 million yen ($13,360), translating to about $6,060 per pound.
Kimura noted the traditional significance of the auction, revealing that part of the decision to bid such a substantial amount was "in part for good luck." He also shared his admiration for the fish, saying, "When I see a good looking tuna, I cannot resist … I haven’t sampled it yet, but it’s got to be delicious."
While hundreds of tuna are auctioned daily at Toyosu fish market, the prices for Oma bluefin tuna, particularly during the New Year's auction, are significantly higher than average. The immense popularity of tuna for sushi and sashimi has contributed to the economic value of these fish, making them a prime target for bidders looking to obtain the best quality for their restaurants.
Notably, Pacific bluefin tuna were previously classified as a threatened species due to factors like climate change and overfishing. However, thanks to successful conservation efforts, the stock of bluefin tuna in the Pacific is now recovering, which has positively impacted the auction prices and market dynamics.
As the annual New Year auction unfolded at Toyosu, it highlighted not only economic aspects but also cultural significance, emphasizing the relationship between Japanese cuisine and the appreciation of quality seafood. Kiyoshi Kimura's purchase symbolizes the intersection of tradition, culinary excellence, and the pursuit of remarkable achievements in the world of sushi.
