A Japanese sushi chain set a new record on Monday by paying an astonishing $3.24 million (510 million yen) for a single bluefin tuna at Tokyo’s renowned New Year fish auction. The winning bidder, Kiyomura Corp., operator of the popular Sushi Zanmai chain, surpassed its own previous record of $2.1 million set in 2019. Kiyomura’s owner, Kiyoshi Kimura, widely known as the “Tuna King,” admitted he had not expected the bidding to climb so high, saying the price escalated rapidly before he realized it. He initially anticipated a winning bid in the range of 300–400 million yen but was surprised to see it exceed 500 million yen.
Sushi Zanmai Serves Record-Bid Bluefin at Regular Prices to Inspire Public
The massive 536-pound bluefin, caught off the coast of Oma in northern Japan—a region famous for producing the country’s highest-quality tuna—fetched an extraordinary price equivalent to $13,360 (2.1 million yen) per kilogram, or roughly $6,060 per pound. Kimura said the purchase was partly inspired by tradition and good fortune, but added that when he encounters a tuna of exceptional quality, he simply cannot resist. Although he had not yet sampled the fish, he expressed confidence that it would be extraordinarily delicious.
Following the auction, the prized tuna was delivered to Sushi Zanmai’s flagship restaurant, where it was carefully sliced and distributed to outlets nationwide. Despite the record price, Kimura stated that the tuna would be served to customers at regular menu prices to share the experience widely. He also expressed hope that the coming year would bring economic improvement under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, Japan’s first female leader. Kimura said he hoped the dramatic purchase would bring encouragement and positivity to people across the country.
Summary:
Kiyomura Corp., owner of Sushi Zanmai, paid a record $3.24 million for a 536-pound bluefin tuna at Tokyo’s New Year auction. Despite the price, the fish will be served at regular rates. Owner Kiyoshi Kimura hopes the purchase brings good fortune, supports tradition, and lifts public spirits amid economic challenges.
