A giant bluefin tuna stole the spotlight at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market, selling for a jaw-dropping 510 million yen (€2.78 million) at the first auction of 2026.
Kiyomura Claims Another Victory
The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Kiyoshi Kimura, the founder of the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, a familiar face at these New Year auctions, broke his own 2019 record of 334 million yen (€1.82 million). Speaking to reporters afterward, he admitted he had hoped to pay a little less, but “the price shot up before you knew it.”
The Allure of Oma Tuna
The 243-kilogram tuna was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, a region celebrated for producing some of the country’s finest bluefin. At roughly 2.1 million yen (€11,500) per kilogram, the fish is prized for its rich flavor, delicate fat distribution, and firm texture. During the auction, buyers inspected rows of torpedo-shaped tuna with their tails cut off to judge color, texture, and fattiness. Kimura said part of the purchase was for good luck, but he admitted he could not resist such an impressive specimen, adding, “I haven’t sampled it yet, but it’s got to be delicious.”
Tradition, Celebration, and Conservation
New Year auctions at Toyosu are always special, and prices for exceptional Oma tuna are significantly higher than usual. While Pacific bluefin tuna were once threatened due to overfishing and climate change, conservation efforts have helped stocks recover, allowing prized catches like this one to continue thrilling chefs, collectors, and sushi lovers alike.
