TOKYO (AP) In a remarkable event at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, a 243-kilogram (535-pound) bluefin tuna fetched a staggering 510 million yen (approximately $3.2 million) at the first auction of 2026. This record-breaking sale took place during the predawn hours of Monday, January 5, 2026.
The top bidder was Kiyomura Corporation, led by Kiyoshi Kimura, who is known for operating the famous Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain. Kimura, a frequent participant in the annual auction, has made headlines in the past for his high bids and has now surpassed his own previous record of 334 million yen (around $2.1 million), which he achieved in 2019.
The prized bluefin tuna, renowned for its quality, was captured off the coast of Oma in northern Japan — a region celebrated for yielding some of the finest tuna in the country. The auction price effectively equates to about 2.1 million yen (approximately $13,360) per kilogram, or roughly $6,060 per pound, highlighting the exceptional value placed on this sought-after fish.
While dozens of tuna are sold each day at the early morning auctions, the prices for the Oma tuna, particularly during the festive New Year auction, tend to skyrocket. This year was no exception, as the intense competition and celebratory atmosphere drove the final bid to unprecedented heights.
The popularity of tuna, especially among connoisseurs of sushi and sashimi, has previously placed the Pacific bluefin tuna at risk, categorizing it as a threatened species. However, thanks to ongoing conservation efforts, the stock of this species is reportedly on the path to recovery, making such high-profile sales a significant occurrence in the seafood market.
As the auction continues to attract media attention, images of Kiyoshi Kimura showcasing the record tuna have been widely circulated, capturing the fascination of both the public and industry insiders alike. The auction not only serves as a direct reflection of market demand but also as an emblem of the cultural significance of tuna in Japanese cuisine and dining traditions.
