Which tuna fetches over $1.3 million at New Year auction in Japan?

A 276-kilogram (608-pound) bluefin tuna caught off Oma in Aomori Prefecture fetched ¥207 million—approximately $1.3 million—at Tokyo's Toyosu Market New Year auction in January 2025. Purchased by the Onodera Group, this motorbike-sized fish marked the second-highest price in the auction's history, aimed at bringing good luck.

What is the most expensive tuna auction in Japan?

Bluefin tuna fetches record $3.2m at Tokyo auction

Mr Kimura, who has been dubbed the Tuna King, is known to bid high for bluefin tuna at new year's auctions. The entrepreneur told reporters after the auction that he was "surprised at the price", AFP reported.

Which tuna fetches over $1.3 million at Japan New Year's auction?

A bluefin tuna fetched 207 million yen ($1.3 million) during the year's first auction at a fish market in Tokyo on Sunday, the second-highest price on record. The 276-kilogram tuna was caught off the coast of Oma in the northeastern prefecture of Aomori Japan…

How much would a 500 pound bluefin tuna sell for?

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.

Who caught the $3 million dollar tuna?

How Does a Bluefin Tuna Command $3.2 Million? The Answer Begins in the Waters Off Oma. Caught off Honshu's northernmost tip, the 535-pound bluefin was brought to Toyosu Market's New Year auction, where Sushi Zanmai owner Kiyoshi Kimura claimed it with the morning's top bid.

Bluefin tuna sells for a record $3.1M in Tokyo auction

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.

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.

How old would a 500 pound bluefin tuna be?

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.

Can I sell a bluefin tuna if I catch it?

Only vessels holding an annually-issued Federal permit to fish commercially for Atlantic bluefin, bigeye, yellowfin and albacore tuna are legally allowed to sell their catch. By law, all commercially-caught catch can only be sold to a U.S. federally-licensed fish dealer.

How much is a 200 lb 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.
 

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.

What kind of fish sold for $1.3 million at a Tokyo Fish Market auction?

A bluefin tuna fetched 207 million yen ($1.3 million) during the year's first auction at a fish market in Tokyo on Sunday, the second-highest price on record.

What tuna sold for $800000?

A giant bluefin tuna sold for nearly $800,000 (¥114.2 million) at Tokyo's annual New Year's auction in January 2024, purchased jointly by Yamayuki and Onodera Group for their Michelin-starred Ginza Onodera restaurant, symbolizing good fortune as Japan reopened post-pandemic and serving as a high-profile start to the year.
 

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.

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 much does a 500 pound bluefin tuna cost?

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.

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).

What's the most ever paid for a bluefin tuna?

The 535-pound fish, purchased by Japan's self-proclaimed “Tuna King,” was sliced and shipped to sushi restaurants across the country. A Pacific bluefin tuna the size and weight of a grizzly bear sold for a whopping $3.2 million at auction last week inside a popular Japanese fish market.

Is caviar considered a fish?

Traditionally, the term caviar refers only to roe from wild sturgeon in the Caspian Sea and Black Sea (beluga, ossetra and sevruga caviars). The term caviar can also describe the roe of other species of sturgeon or other fish such as paddlefish, salmon, steelhead, trout, lumpfish, whitefish, or carp.

Is it legal to catch bluefin tuna in the UK?

Bluefin tuna fishing is legal for licensed boats

It's illegal to target tuna unless you pay to go on a licensed boat, and all the recreational fishing is to be catch and release.

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.

What country eats the most bluefin tuna?

About 80% of the Pacific and Atlantic bluefin tunas are consumed in Japan, and tunas that are particularly suited for sashimi and sushi can fetch very high prices.

What is the lifespan of a bluefin tuna?

Life Span. Pacific bluefin tuna can live up to 26 years, although the average lifespan is about 15 years.