An Extraordinary 536-Pound Bluefin Tuna Achieves Historic $3.2 Million Price Tag in Tokyo

The Market’s Most Coveted Prize Reaches Peak Value

Kiyomura Corporation, operator of a prominent Tokyo sushi establishment, made headlines by securing an exceptional bluefin tuna at an unprecedented valuation during the year’s opening fish market auction. The transaction occurred at the Toyosu fish market, where the prize specimen commanded 510 million yen—translating to approximately $3.24 million in USD—making it the highest amount ever paid for a single tuna on the global market.

This 536-pound (243-kilogram) specimen originated from waters near Oma, located in Aomori prefecture, a region celebrated worldwide for producing elite-grade bluefin tuna. In Japan’s culinary circles, these fish have earned the nickname “black diamonds,” a testament to their extreme rarity and premium market positioning. The exceptional quality and scarcity of tuna from this region drive demand from Japan’s most distinguished culinary establishments.

The astronomical price reflects both the specimen’s superior size and the intense competition among high-end restaurants and seafood merchants who view such acquisitions as marquee purchases. This transaction underscores the enduring prestige associated with top-tier bluefin tuna in international markets, where buyers are willing to invest substantial sums to secure the finest available examples. The record-setting sale demonstrates how premium-grade seafood continues to command extraordinary valuations within Japan’s luxury food sector.