The first tuna auction of the year set a record in Tokyo

The traditional first tuna auction of the year in Japan once again attracted worldwide attention. This was reported by Zamin.uz.

At the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, a bluefin tuna was sold at a record price during the first sale of 2026. The huge 243-kilogram tuna was valued at 510 million yen, equivalent to 3.2 million dollars.

This price holds symbolic significance beyond the usual market value. The record price was offered by Kiyomura Corp.

The company is led by Kiyoshi Kimura, known as the "tuna king."

He has previously won auctions at the beginning of the year. In 2019, he set another record by purchasing tuna for 334 million yen.

Kimura commented this time, "I thought I would get it cheaper, but the price rose very quickly." The New Year auction at the Toyosu market is not just a regular sale but is regarded by the Japanese as a symbol of good fortune.

For this reason, prices are several times higher than usual. Experts emphasize that these record deals do not affect the daily price of tuna but are carried out more for symbolic and promotional purposes.

In such sales, not only the product but also the image of "the best is with us" is sold. The tuna sold at this record price was caught in the Oma region in northern Japan.

This area is famous for its high-quality tuna. The tuna was valued at approximately 2.1 million yen per kilogram.

In conclusion, the New Year tuna auction in Tokyo is a combined display of gastronomy, tradition, and business. This record shows that some deals are more valuable for history than for the market.

The price of tuna may drop again tomorrow, but the "first record of the year" will retain its significance for a long time.