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A massive bluefin tuna has stunned the world after being sold for over ₹29 crore at Tokyo’s famous Toyosu Fish Market during the first auction of 2026. Weighing 243 kilograms, the prized fish was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan.
Bluefin Tuna Sells for ₹29 Crore at Tokyo’s First Fish Auction of 2026
New Delhi: News from Japan’s capital, Tokyo, has stunned the world. At the first fish auction of New Year 2026, a single bluefin tuna was sold for more than ₹29 crore, a price high enough to buy several luxury bungalows in countries like India. The record-breaking sale took place at Tokyo’s famous Toyosu Fish Market, where the opening auction of the year is traditionally seen as a symbol of prosperity and good fortune.
This year, a 243-kilogram bluefin tuna made history at the auction. It sold for 510 million yen, or approximately 29 crore rupees (approximately $2.9 billion). This tuna was caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan, a region renowned worldwide for its high-quality tuna. Oma's bluefin tuna is considered the best for sushi due to its flavor and texture.
The “Tuna King” strikes again 👑🐟
Kiyoshi Kimura topped his own 2019 record, spending over $2.3M on one bluefin tuna at Tokyo’s New Year auction. Yet I’m complaining about spending $15.99 on a few pieces of sashimi.. 🫠 pic.twitter.com/bOpdAlKXto— Daily Zest (@dailyzest) January 5, 2026
According to media reports, this expensive fish was purchased by Kiyomura Corporation, the parent company of Japan's famous sushi chain 'Sushizanmai'. The company's owner, Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the 'Tuna King', won the bid. Significantly, he broke his own record. In 2019, he made headlines by bidding 333.6 million yen (approximately ₹19 crore).
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In Japan, the first fish auction of the New Year is considered highly auspicious. It is believed that buying the largest and most expensive fish at the first auction brings business growth and good fortune throughout the year. This is why major companies are quick to bid high, and this also provides them with significant global publicity.
Most interestingly, despite purchasing such a high-priced fish, Kiyoshi Kimura will not sell it for profit. He stated that the purchase was to celebrate the New Year with customers. This bluefin tuna has been sent to all Sushizanmai outlets, where it will be served to customers at the same price as regular sushi. This is why this auction has become a topic of discussion worldwide.
