Bluefin Tuna Sells for Record $3.2 Million at Tokyo Auction
Kiyomura Co.'s President Kiyoshi Kimura, who runs a chain of sushi restaurants Sushi Zanmai, poses with a 243-kilogram bluefin tuna auctioned for a record 510 million yen ($3.24 million) at the first auction of 2026 at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, at his sushi restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, January 5, 2026. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon
A giant bluefin tuna set a new record at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market Monday, selling for 510.3 million yen ($3.2 million) during the year’s first auction. The 243-kilogram fish was purchased by Kiyomura Corp, the operator of Sushi Zanmai, a popular sushi chain with locations across Japan and abroad.
“The first tuna of the year is considered a symbol of good luck,” said Kiyoshi Kimura, president of Kiyomura Corp, who is known for paying high prices at the New Year auctions. Kimura, often called the “Tuna King,” previously set records in 2012, 2013, and 2019 with similarly high bids.
“This year, the price surprised me,” Kimura told reporters, noting that the auction quickly escalated beyond expectations.
The first auction of the year at Toyosu is traditionally known for its high-priced fish, attracting both local buyers and tourists who come to watch the lively pre-dawn event. Last year, the opening tuna sold for 207 million yen to another sushi chain operator.
After the auction, the record-setting tuna was immediately prepared and served at Kiyomura’s restaurants. Customers praised the experience, calling it a lucky start to the year.
