What is the most expensive tuna in Japan?

The most expensive tuna ever sold in Japan was a record-breaking 243kg (535 lb) Pacific bluefin tuna, purchased for 510.3 million yen (around $3.2 million USD) at Tokyo's Toyosu market's first auction of 2026 by Kiyoshi Kimura of Sushi Zanmai chain, continuing his tradition of buying the first tuna of the year for good luck and publicity. This surpassed his previous record from 2019, highlighting the intense cultural significance and prestige associated with the finest bluefin tuna in Japan, particularly those from Oma.

What is the most expensive Japanese tuna?

Sushi Zanmai owner Kiyoshi Kimura, known as Japan's “Tuna King,” paid a record-breaking $3.2 million for a 535-pound Pacific bluefin tuna at Toyosu Market's first auction of 2026.

What is the highest grade tuna in Japan?

Northern Bluefin Tuna (hon-maguro) is the largest and most expensive type and has a high fat content. Cuts of this fish, especially from the fatty belly, are used for the highest quality sushi and sashimi dishes.

How much is a 200 pound bluefin tuna worth?

A 200 lb bluefin tuna's value varies wildly, from a few thousand dollars for a standard catch at market (around $20-$40/lb or more for premium quality) up to tens of thousands, depending on fat content, freshness, and auction hype, with record-setting auction fish reaching millions (though these are rare outliers for prestige). For a regular commercial catch, expect several hundred to a few thousand dollars, but premium, high-fat (toro) sections can fetch $200-$400+ per pound wholesale.
 

What is the most expensive fish in Japan?

Expensive Fish

A 234-kilogram bluefin tuna from Aomori Prefecture's Ōma region was sold for a new record of ¥510.3 million at Toyosu Market's 2026 New Year auction, held on January 5.

Why Bluefin Tuna Is So Expensive | So Expensive | Business Insider

How much is a 600 pound bluefin tuna worth?

Massive Bluefin Tuna the Size of a Motorcycle Sells for $1.3 Million at a Japanese Fish Market | The fish weighed 608 pounds and it garnered the second highest bid at the Toyosu Market since records began in 1999.

How long is a 1000 pound bluefin tuna?

Atlantic bluefin tuna can reach 10 feet in length and 1,000 pounds.

Why do Japanese pay so much for bluefin tuna?

But it's not just the dining delight that makes this tuna varietal so prized. Southern Bluefin Tuna has become an increasingly valuable commodity because of its limited availability.

Is bluefin tuna healthy to eat?

Health Benefits

Bluefin tuna is a very good source of protein, thiamin, selenium, vitamin B6, and omega-3 fatty acids.

Which tuna is worth the most money?

Bluefin tuna, often referred to as the "king of sushi," is renowned for its remarkable taste and texture. However, its deliciousness is accompanied by an equally astounding price tag.

Is ahi or yellowfin better?

Ahi sushi is one of the most popular items among sushi fans. In the Hawaiian language, “Ahi” (ah-hee) refers to two species of tuna: bigeye and yellowfin. Although yellowfin is more familiar to most people, sushi chefs tend to prefer bigeye for its quality of flavor and slightly higher fat content.

Which country has the best bluefin tuna?

Best Destinations for Bluefin Tuna Fishing

1. The Mediterranean Sea. The Mediterranean Sea, particularly off the coasts of Spain, Italy, and Turkey, is one of the most famous spots for bluefin tuna fishing. ...
2. New England (USA) ...
3. Nova Scotia (Canada) ...
4. Japan. ...
5. Mexico (Baja California) ...
6. South Australia. ...
7. New Zealand.

Is it ethical to eat bluefin tuna?

Avoid all bluefin tuna, except if you confirm it's Pacific bluefin tuna from a yellow-rated source (scroll down for more information). Avoid tuna caught in the Indian Ocean.

How much does a whole Japanese tuna cost?

$49.95 - $499.50. Bluefin tuna is renowned for its rich, buttery flavor and tender, marbled texture. Its taste is often described as exquisite and indulgent, with a melt-in-your-mouth quality that makes it highly sought after for high-end sushi and sashimi experiences.

What is the rarest tuna?

The rarest type of tuna is generally considered to be the Atlantic Bluefin Tuna (Thunnus thynnus). This species is highly sought after, especially in Japan for sushi and sashimi dishes, and so has faced significant overfishing, leading to a sharp decline in population numbers.

How much is a 500 pound bluefin tuna worth?

A 500 lb bluefin tuna's worth varies wildly, from potentially thousands for a regular catch to over $3 million at Tokyo's New Year's auctions, where a 535 lb fish sold for a record $3.2 million in 2026, demonstrating extreme market hype for quality fish used in premium sushi. For fishermen, the price is much lower, often a few dollars per pound, but the top auction prices reflect quality, prestige, and demand for high-grade tuna (like otoro), not typical retail value, notes a Quora post.

How do Japanese not get sick from raw fish?

Fish that's consumed raw in sushi must be frozen to -20°C (-4°F) for 7 days or -35°C (-31°F) for 15 hours. This process will destroy any parasite in the fish making it safer to consume but there's still risk.

Can you keep a bluefin tuna if you catch it?

The Atlantic bluefin tuna retention limit for recreational fishermen will remain at the default limit of 1 school, large school, or small medium bluefin tuna (27 to <73” curved fork length) per vessel per day/trip.

How old is a 9 foot bluefin tuna?

Atlantic bluefin tuna reach maturity relatively quickly. In a survey that included specimens up to 2.55 m (8.4 ft) in length and 247 kg (545 lb) in weight, none was believed to be older than 15 years. However, very large specimens may be up to 50 years old.

How much is a 600lb bluefin tuna worth?

A company just paid $1.3 million for it. Add Yahoo as a preferred source to see more of our stories on Google. A Japanese sushi company left the first auction of the New Year in Tokyo with a fish the size of a motorcycle, paying $1.3 million for the huge catch.

What's the biggest bluefin tuna ever caught?

The largest tuna ever caught was an Atlantic Bluefin tuna. This massive fish was caught off the coast of Nova Scotia, Canada, by Ken Fraser in 1979. It weighed an astonishing 1,496 pounds (approximately 679 kilograms).

How much did Jake Paul pay for koi fish?

Would you do a Jake Paul and buy koi carp "worth" $4million?

What fish is worth $1 billion dollars?

Billion Dollar Fish - The Beluga Sturgeon.

Can koi live for 200 years?

Koi are beautiful and long-lived fish, living up to and past 100 years in optimal conditions. In domestic ponds, they typically live around 15 to 30 years. Japanese koi often live 40 years or longer. The oldest koi fish on record was around 200 years old! Contact us today about maintaining your backyard fish pond.