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Record-Breaking $3.2 Million Bluefin Tuna Sold at Tokyo's New Year Auction

A massive 243-kilogram bluefin tuna was sold for a historic 510.3 million yen (approximately $3.2 million) at the first New Year auction in Tokyo's Toyosu fish market. The fish, caught off Oma in Aomori Prefecture, was purchased by Kiyomura Corporation, operator of the Sushizanmai sushi restaurant chain. Company President Kiyoshi Kimura stated the first tuna of the year is a symbol of good fortune and will be served at regular prices across their outlets. The bid shattered the previous 2019 record and continues a rebound in tuna auction prices following the pandemic.

Key Points: $3.2 Million Tuna Sets Record at Tokyo Fish Market Auction

  • Record ¥510.3 million bid
  • 243kg tuna from Oma, Aomori
  • Purchased by Sushizanmai chain
  • Served at regular menu prices
  • Price far exceeds 2019 record
2 min read

Japan: Bluefin tuna fetches record USD 3.2 million in Tokyo's fish market at New Year auction

A 243kg bluefin tuna sold for a record ¥510.3 million ($3.2M) at Tokyo's Toyosu market, purchased by Sushizanmai for its New Year's good luck tradition.

"The year's first tuna brings good luck. We hope as many people as possible can enjoy it and feel energised. - Kiyoshi Kimura"

Tokyo, January 6

A bluefin tuna on Monday was sold for a record 510.3 million Japanese Yen, about USD 3.2 million, at the first auction of the year at Tokyo's Toyosu fish market, Kyodo News reported.

According to Kyodo News, the bluefin tuna, one of the most desirable fish for Japan's iconic dish, Sushi, weighed 243 kg and was caught off the coast of Oma in Aomori Prefecture in the Tohoku region.

The fish was purchased by Kiyomura Corporation, a Tokyo-based operator of the popular sushi restaurant chain Sushizanmai.

Calling the New Year's first tuna a symbol of good fortune, Kiyomura President Kiyoshi Kimura said the company hopes customers will enjoy the fish and feel energised, as reported by Kyodo News.

"The year's first tuna brings good luck. We hope as many people as possible can enjoy it and feel energised," Kimura stated, as quoted by Kyodo News.

The tuna will be cut at Sushizanmai's Tsukiji head branch and distributed to its outlets across Japan.

Despite the record-breaking price, the company said it will serve the tuna to customers at regular menu rates, Kyodo News reported.

According to the Tokyo metropolitan government, this was the highest winning bid since comparable records began in 1999.

The price far exceeded the previous record of JPY 333.6 million set in 2019, following the relocation of the historic Tsukiji fish market to Toyosu.

The early-morning auction, which began at 5:10 am (local time), drew large crowds, including foreign tourists, who watched bidders compete in the traditional New Year event, Kyodo News reported.

High bids at the first auction of the year are widely seen as a sign of good luck and a promotional opportunity for restaurants.

Tuna prices have rebounded in recent years after slumping during the COVID-19 pandemic, with top bids recorded at JPY 36.0 million in 2023, JPY 114.2 million in 2024, and JPY 207.0 million in 2025, as reported by Kyodo News.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
The dedication to tradition and quality in Japanese culture is truly admirable. Their first auction of the year is like a festival. In India, we have our own rituals for good luck and prosperity. Different cultures, similar sentiments of hope for the new year! 🎏
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Rohit P
USD 3.2 million?! That's more than the budget of a small Indian film. While it's great marketing for the restaurant chain, one can't help but think of the overfishing concerns for Bluefin tuna. I hope sustainability is also part of their long-term thinking.
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Sarah B
I visited Tsukiji market years ago. The energy is incredible. This price shows how much the food industry has rebounded post-pandemic. It's a positive economic signal, though the amount is staggering for someone not from that culinary world.
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Karthik V
Respectfully, this feels excessive. In a world with so much inequality, spending crores on a fish for a publicity stunt is hard to digest. The good luck should be in feeding the hungry, not just the wealthy customers of a sushi chain. Just my two paise.
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Nisha Z
The article says the price has been climbing since the pandemic slump. It's a clear indicator of consumer confidence returning. Maybe there's a lesson here for our own markets and festivals about creating unique, high-value traditions that also boost business. Interesting read!

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