A 243-kilogram (535-pound) bluefin tuna was sold for 510.3 million yen, approximately $3.2 million, at the first auction of 2026 held at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market. Kiyomura Corp., which operates the Sushi Zanmai chain under owner Kiyoshi Kimura, submitted the highest bid for the fish. This sale established a new record price for a single tuna at the annual event.
Auction Details
The record-setting bluefin tuna was acquired during the predawn auction on Monday morning. The transaction surpassed the previous record of 333.6 million yen ($2.1 million) set by Kimura in 2019. Kiyoshi Kimura has been a consistent participant in these annual New Year's auctions, with previous record purchases including 56.5 million yen in 2012 and 155 million yen in 2013.
Following the purchase, Mr. Kimura indicated that the final price exceeded his initial expectations. He also stated that the purchase held traditional significance and was influenced by the quality of the fish. Kimura expressed optimism for the economy in the upcoming year and hoped the bid would encourage others.
The tuna originated from Oma in northern Japan, a region recognized for its tuna quality. During the auction process, wholesalers and buyers examine tuna, often identifiable by their cut tails, to assess characteristics such as meat color, texture, and fat content.
Market Context and Distribution
The New Year's auction at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market is characterized by elevated prices for fish, particularly for Oma tuna, compared to standard daily auctions. For instance, in the previous year, the highest bid for a tuna was 207 million yen. The early morning auctions at Tokyo's fish markets are also recognized as tourist attractions.
Immediately after the auction, the purchased tuna was transported to Sushizanmai's headquarters for processing and subsequent distribution to its restaurants across Japan. Kimura confirmed that portions of the record-setting tuna would be offered to customers at regular menu prices, estimated at approximately 500 yen per roll.
Conservation Status
Pacific bluefin tuna, a species popular for sushi and sashimi, has been subject to conservation concerns. It was previously classified as threatened due to factors such as climate change and overfishing. However, conservation efforts, which include quotas established by an international working group in 2017, have contributed to a recovery in its population. The IUCN Red List currently categorizes Pacific bluefin tuna as "near threatened," an improvement from its prior "vulnerable" designation.