Tokyo, January 5: In a display of economic optimism and culinary tradition, a Japanese sushi chain paid a record-breaking 470 million yen ($3.2 million) for a giant bluefin tuna at Tokyo’s Toyosu fish market on Monday. The winning bid at the year’s first auction shattered the previous record set in 2019, marking a historic start to the 2026 business year for Japan’s seafood industry. The prized 285kg (628lb) bluefin tuna was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan’s Aomori Prefecture. The winning bid was placed by Onodera Group, a high-end sushi restaurant operator, in partnership with wholesaler Yamayuki.

The top bidder for the prized tuna at the predawn auction on Monday was Kiyomura Corp. whose owner, Kiyoshi Kimura, runs the popular Sushi Zanmai chain. Kimura, who has won the annual action many times in the past, broke the previous record of 334 million yen ($2.1 million) he set in 2019. Japan Crash: Tea Leaves Spill from Truck Leads to Road Skid and Multi-Car Accident, 1 Dead, 3 Injured.

Bluefin Tuna Fetches Record USD 3.2 Million at Tokyo Auction

The auction price of $3.2 million significantly surpassed the previous record of 333.6 million yen set five years ago. Onodera Group representatives stated that the purchase was intended to celebrate the New Year and "deliver the highest quality to customers" while signaling a robust recovery for the restaurant sector.

The New Year auction at Tokyo’s premier fish market is a highly anticipated annual event. While the prices paid for the top-ranked tuna rarely reflect the actual market value of the meat, they are seen as a symbolic gesture.

Winning the first auction of the year is believed to bring good luck and serves as a powerful marketing tool for the successful bidder. For the Japanese public, the high price is often interpreted as a bellwether for the country’s broader economic health and consumer confidence. Japan Plans To Double Target for Investment in India to USD 68 Billion, Considers Hiring Over 50,000 Indians: Report.

Conservation and Sustainability Concerns

Despite the celebratory nature of the event, the record-breaking sale has reignited discussions regarding the sustainability of Pacific bluefin tuna. The species has historically faced severe overfishing, leading to its classification as "near threatened."

While recent conservation efforts and stricter fishing quotas have led to a gradual recovery of the population, environmental groups continue to monitor the impact of high-profile auctions. Critics argue that the massive sums of money involved can glamorize the consumption of a species that requires careful management to ensure its long-term survival.

The Journey to the Table

Following the auction, the record-breaking fish was transported to an Onodera Group restaurant in Tokyo’s upscale Ginza district. Expert chefs began the process of butchering the tuna, which is expected to be served as "otoro" (fatty belly) and "chu-toro" (medium fatty) sushi to waiting customers.

Despite the $3.2 million price tag for the whole fish, the restaurant plans to sell individual pieces of sushi at their standard menu prices, absorbing the cost as a celebratory investment for their patrons.

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 05, 2026 11:39 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).