TOKYO — The first tuna auction of 2026 at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market witnessed an extraordinary transaction as a 535-pound bluefin tuna fetched an unprecedented 510 million yen ($3.2 million), establishing a new historical record. The predawn auction on Monday saw Kiyomura Corp., led by renowned sushi chain operator Kiyoshi Kimura, emerge as the victorious bidder for the premium specimen.
The colossal bluefin, originating from the waters off Oma in northern Japan—renowned for producing superior quality tuna—commanded approximately $13,360 per kilogram ($6,060 per pound). This staggering price substantially surpassed the previous record of 334 million yen ($2.1 million), also set by Kimura in 2019.
While hundreds of tuna change hands daily during these early morning auctions, the New Year’s event traditionally features significantly elevated prices, particularly for premium varieties like Oma tuna. The auction represents both a commercial transaction and a cultural tradition, drawing widespread attention from wholesalers and international observers alike.
Notably, this record-breaking sale occurs against a backdrop of conservation progress. Pacific bluefin tuna, once considered a threatened species due to overwhelming demand for sushi and sashimi, has shown stock recovery following concerted international conservation measures. The extraordinary price point reflects both the exceptional quality of the specimen and the enduring cultural significance of tuna in Japanese culinary traditions.