A 243-kg (535-lb) bluefin tuna sold for a record 510 million yen (about $3.2M) at Tokyo's first fish auction of 2026 at the Toyosu market. Kiyomura Corp., operator of the Sushi Zanmai chain owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, made the winning bid, surpassing Kimura's 2019 record of 334 million yen. The tuna was caught off Oma in northern Japan, a region renowned for premium tuna. The sale continues the high-profile New Year auction tradition.
Record-Breaking 243-kg Bluefin Tuna Sells for 510 Million Yen ($3.2M) at Tokyo's First 2026 Auction
Kiyoshi Kimura, president of Kiyomura Co., poses with the bluefin tuna that won the highest bid at the annual New Year auction in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A massive 243-kilogram (535-pound) bluefin tuna fetched a record-setting 510 million yen (about $3.2 million) at Tokyo’s first fish auction of 2026, held at the Toyosu fish market early Monday morning.
Kiyomura Corp., the operator of the Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, placed the winning bid, topping Kimura’s previous record of 334 million yen (roughly $2.1 million) set in 2019. The tuna was caught off Oma in northern Japan, a coastal area celebrated for producing some of the country's finest tuna.
Auction Context
The New Year auctions at Toyosu are known for drawing high-profile buyers and steep bids for premium bluefin. This sale continues that tradition, highlighting the strong market demand and prestige associated with top-quality catches from regions like Oma.
This photo gallery was curated by AP photo editors.
Wholesalers inspect bluefin tuna at the New Year's tuna auction at Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A bluefin tuna that won the highest bid at the annual New Year auction is carried to a Sushi Zanmai restaurant in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Wholesalers inspect bluefin tuna at the New Year's tuna auction at Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Wholesalers and buyers take part in the New Year's tuna auction at Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Wholesalers inspect frozen tuna at the New Year's tuna auction at Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
A bluefin tuna that won the highest bid at the annual New Year auction is carried to a Sushi Zanmai restaurant in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Wholesalers inspect bluefin tuna at the New Year's tuna auction at Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Kiyoshi Kimura, center right, president of Kiyomura Co. attend the New Year's tuna auction at Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Members of the press take photographs of a bluefin tuna that won the highest bid at the annual New Year auction displayed at Sushi Zanmai restaurant in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Wholesalers inspect bluefin tuna at the New Year's tuna auction at Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, Monday, Jan. 5, 2026. (AP Photo/Louise Delmotte)(ASSOCIATED PRESS)
Help us improve.
