Bluefin Tuna Sells for Record $3.2 Million at Toyosu Market Auction
A remarkable bluefin tuna weighing 243 kilograms (535 pounds) made headlines by selling for 510 million yen ($3.2 million) at the first auction of 2026. This record-breaking sale took place at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market during a predawn auction on Monday.
Details of the Record Sale
The successful bid was made by Kiyomura Corp., led by Kiyoshi Kimura, who also owns the well-known Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura has a history of winning top bids at this annual auction, previously setting a record of 334 million yen ($2.1 million) back in 2019.
Kimura’s Insights on the Auction
After the auction, Kimura expressed his surprise at the escalating price, noting that he had hoped for a lower bid. “The price shot up before you knew it,” he remarked.
Evaluation of the Tuna
The auction process involved inspection of various tuna, which were presented with their tails cut off. This allowed bidders to assess the fish’s quality based on color, texture, and fattiness. The bluefin tuna that sold for the record price was caught in Oma, a northern Japanese region celebrated for yielding some of the finest tuna.
Investment and Tradition
The cost of the prized fish was approximately 2.1 million yen ($13,360) per kilogram ($6,060 per pound). Kimura emphasized that acquiring such tuna is partly for luck. “When I see a good-looking tuna, I cannot resist,” he stated. Although he has yet to taste it, he believes it will be delicious.
The Significance of Tuna in Japanese Culture
- Hundreds of tuna are sold daily at the Toyosu market.
- Oma tuna prices surge during the celebratory New Year auction.
- Pacific bluefin tuna is popular for sushi and sashimi.
In recent times, the Pacific bluefin tuna has faced threats from climate change and overfishing. Fortunately, conservation efforts have led to a recovery in its population.
