Toyosu Fish Market: $3.2 Million for One Fish!

Toyosu Fish Market just made history. The early morning of January 5, 2026, saw people bidding at incredible prices for just one fish. That’s right—it was a single that sold for a jaw-dropping 510 million yen (about $3.2 million) at a tuna auction in Tokyo.

This remarkable sale captured food lovers’ attention worldwide and reminds us just how deeply tuna is woven into Japanese culinary tradition. Let’s learn more about the iconic Toyosu fish market and the New Year tuna auction!

The Legendary Toyosu Fish Market and its Tuna Auction

Sitting on the reclaimed land of Toyosu in Koto Ward, Tokyo, Toyosu Fish Market is now the beating heart of Japan’s seafood world. This happened after Tsukiji Market relocated to the area in 2018, prompted by the influx of tourists and time wearing down its facilities.

Nevertheless, the tradition of early-morning auctions lives on from the predecessor to its successor! Buyers from high-end restaurants and sushi bars gather every business day to compete for the freshest, finest fish.

Every tradition has its highlights, and the same goes for the fish market. Toyosu’s New Year auction never fails to garner intense interest as the first bidding war of the year for tuna. It’s believed to bring good fortune for business and a prosperous year ahead. Buyers often pay premium prices for these first catches, especially when the tuna show exceptional size, color, and fat quality.

At these auctions, buyers walk among rows of whale-ship-like tuna, inspecting flesh color, texture, and body fat with trained eyes. Then the bidding begins before dawn. Fast, loud, and serious.

Interested in witnessing the spectacle? Tourists can enjoy the event on the upper floor, free of charge and without reservations. However, make sure to arrive by 5:30am, as the auction begins then! If you want to get a closer look, you can also apply for a tour and get the chance to view from the observation deck. Count on your luck, as it’s a lottery-based system! 

The Giant Tuna That Made History

The tuna that set the new 2026 record was none other than a colossal bluefin tuna weighing 243 kilograms. It was caught off the coast of Oma, a northern Japan fishing town famed for producing some of the nation’s best bluefin. 

The winning bid came from Kiyomura Corp., owned by Sushi Zanmai founder Kiyoshi Kimura. Known as “Tuna King” by many, Kimura forked out 510 million yen (about $3.2 million) for the coveted tuna. He also has a long history of winning big at these auctions, and in 2026 he beat his own previous record of 333 million yen (around $2.1 million) from 2019. It is also his first time winning the auction in six years, as intermediate wholesaler Yamayuki snatched the first tuna for five consecutive years.

The staggering price is driven by a mix of tradition, bragging rights, and culinary value. Of course, it also honors the industry. Because of this, the first tuna of the year represents prestige, and the rich belly meat from a bluefin of this size commands top dollar in sushi bars and fine dining. 

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Japanese Knives Essential for Tuna Mastery

Working with bluefin tuna requires knives designed for accuracy, especially for premium pieces like otoro (fatty belly). Here are some classic Japanese knives ideal for sashimi-level tuna prep:

Yanagiba

The yanagiba is the primary slicing knife used in sushi preparation, recognizable by its long, slender blade and single-bevel edge. This design allows chefs to slice sashimi in a single smooth pull, reducing damage while preserving the tuna’s clean, glossy surface. 

Deba

Heavier and thicker than most Japanese knives you’ll find in the kitchen, the deba knife is commonly used for filleting fish. Moreover, it is built to cut through bone, cartilage, and dense flesh while still offering fine control at the tip. 

Fuguhiki

Fuguhiki is used to refine the slicing, especially when working with smaller sections or aiming for ultra-thin cuts. Its narrow blade helps achieve precision without compressing the fish. This makes it ideal for delicate presentations. 

Delicious Ways to Enjoy Bluefin Tuna

Once you have your tuna sliced with care, the possibilities are delicious and varied. Here are some favorite ways to savor this luxurious fish:

Sushi & Sashimi

Generally, sushi and sashimi remain the most respected ways to enjoy tuna. Carefully sliced tuna is served with minimal seasoning to highlight its natural richness. You can freely savor the differences between lean akami (the leanest red meat) and fatty otoro without distraction with this dish! 

Poke Bowls

A traditional Hawaiian dish that originated with early Polynesian settlers, tuna can be enjoyed in poke bowls. Poke means “to slice” in Hawaiian, and consists of diced raw fish marinated in soy sauce and sesame oil, served over rice with vegetables.

Tuna Tataki

Another simple yet popular option is tuna tataki, whose name comes from the word for “tuna” and the Japanese word for “struck” or “pulsed”. The fish is briefly seared on the outside and left rare in the center, adding contrast while maintaining freshness. 

Why Toyosu Fish Market Is Worth Visiting

Toyosu Fish Market is an adventure especially for food lovers, chefs, or anyone interested in Japanese culture and cuisine. You can enjoy the tuna auctions at dawn to experience the market’s traditions, or look around the place to see the seafood Japan has to offer!

The fresh seafood stalls, sushi counters, and knowledgeable vendors make Toyosu a pilgrimage spot for culinary travelers. Have you been to the Toyosu Fish Market before? How was it? Let us know in the comments!