The world’s most expensive Bluefin tuna sells for a record $3.2 million — here’s why it’s so valuable

Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market welcomed in 2026 with a record-breaking tuna auction. A giant 243-kilogram (535-pound) Pacific bluefin tuna gained a record-breaking 510 million yen ($3.2 million) at the first 2026 auction at Tokyo’s Toyosu Fish Market. The winning bid arrived from Kiyomura Corp., led by Kiyoshi Kimura, owner of the famous Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, a veteran of the annual auction, surpassed his own past record of 334 million yen ($2.1 million) set in 2019.

Kimura told reporters he had hoped to pay a slightly less, but “the price shot up before you knew it.” He added, “It’s in part for good luck. But when I see a good-looking tuna, I cannot resist … I haven’t sampled it yet, but it’s got to be delicious.”

How are tuna inspected at the auction?

The sale started at dawn with the market floor lined with torpedo-shaped fish, their tails removed so bidders could analyze their color, texture, and fat content. The prized tuna was caught off Oma in northern Japan, a place popular for producing some of the country’s finest tuna.

Why are Oma bluefin tuna so expensive?

At 2.1 million yen per kilogram ($13,360 per kilogram, $6,060 per pound), the Oma tuna has top prices, especially at the festive New Year auction. Hundreds of tuna are sold everyday at Toyosu, but Oma bluefin consistently draws significantly higher bids in regard to its superior quality.

Why is this tuna particularly valuable for sushi?

Pacific bluefin tuna is significantly prized for sushi and sashimi because of its texture, fat content, and flavor, making best quality specimens such as Oma tuna really desirable.

FAQs:

Q1. What is the Toyosu Fish Market?
Toyosu is Tokyo’s main wholesale fish market, popular for early morning tuna auctions and seafood distribution. It attracts buyers worldwide.

Q2. What makes Oma tuna special?
Tuna from Oma is prized for its premium quality, fat content, and flavor, making it highly sought for sushi and sashimi.