The most expensive tuna ever sold was a bluefin tuna that fetched approximately $3.1 million (333.6 million yen) at auction in Japan’s Toyosu Fish Market on January 5, 2019. The record-setting fish weighed around 278 kilograms (612 pounds) and was purchased by Kiyoshi Kimura, also known as the “Tuna King,” who owns the Sushi Zanmai restaurant chain.

Recent High-Price Tuna Sales

• In 2025, a bluefin tuna weighing 276 kilograms (608 pounds) was sold for about $1.3 million (207 million yen) at the annual New Year auction in the same Tokyo market, marking the second-highest price for a single tuna on record since tracking began in 1999.

• These highly publicized sales are partially driven by tradition and the prestige associated with making the winning bid at the first auction of the year, as well as the perceived good fortune the fish brings for the coming year.

Context and Details

• The 2019 record-setting tuna was caught off the coast of Aomori, Japan, an area known for producing prized bluefin.

• The enormous price at auction far exceeds standard market values and reflects both competitive marketing among top sushi restaurants and cultural significance in Japan.