Top 20 Bluefin Tuna Import Companies in Japan

Robert Gultig

21 October 2025

Top 20 Bluefin Tuna Import Companies in Japan

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Written by Robert Gultig

21 October 2025

Introduction:

The global market for bluefin tuna is a booming industry, with Japan leading the way as one of the top importers of this prized fish. With a growing demand for high-quality seafood, Japanese companies are constantly on the lookout for the best suppliers of bluefin tuna. In recent years, the market has seen a steady increase in imports, with Japan importing over 30,000 tons of bluefin tuna annually. Let’s take a closer look at the top 20 bluefin tuna import companies in Japan.

1. Kyokuyo Co., Ltd.
Kyokuyo Co., Ltd. is one of the largest importers of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of over 15%. The company has established strong relationships with suppliers in countries like Spain, Australia, and the United States, ensuring a steady supply of high-quality bluefin tuna to meet the demands of the Japanese market.

2. Maruha Nichiro Corporation
Maruha Nichiro Corporation is another major player in the bluefin tuna import market in Japan, with a market share of around 10%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Mexico, Malta, and Croatia, and distributes it to retailers and restaurants across Japan.

3. Mitsui & Co., Ltd.
Mitsui & Co., Ltd. is a diversified trading company that is also a key player in the bluefin tuna import market in Japan. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like New Zealand, Fiji, and Ecuador, and supplies it to wholesalers and distributors in Japan.

4. Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. (Nissui)
Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd., also known as Nissui, is one of the oldest and largest seafood companies in Japan. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Italy, France, and Tunisia, and processes it into a variety of products for the Japanese market.

5. Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd.
Toyo Suisan Kaisha, Ltd. is a leading importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 5%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Greece, Turkey, and Egypt, and distributes it to supermarkets and restaurants across Japan.

6. Kibun Foods Inc.
Kibun Foods Inc. is a well-known importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 3%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Portugal, Cyprus, and Morocco, and sells it to retailers and food service providers in Japan.

7. Nichirei Corporation
Nichirei Corporation is a major player in the bluefin tuna import market in Japan, with a market share of around 2%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Croatia, Algeria, and Libya, and processes it into frozen products for the Japanese market.

8. Daito Gyorui Co., Ltd.
Daito Gyorui Co., Ltd. is a leading importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 2%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Malta, Japan, and Cyprus, and supplies it to wholesalers and retailers in Japan.

9. Ichiryu Co., Ltd.
Ichiryu Co., Ltd. is a well-established importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Spain, Croatia, and Tunisia, and distributes it to restaurants and sushi bars across Japan.

10. Kanematsu Corporation
Kanematsu Corporation is a diversified trading company that is also involved in the bluefin tuna import market in Japan. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, and supplies it to retailers and wholesalers in Japan.

11. Towa Suisan Co., Ltd.
Towa Suisan Co., Ltd. is a leading importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Italy, France, and Morocco, and processes it into a variety of products for the Japanese market.

12. Taiyo Fisheries Co., Ltd.
Taiyo Fisheries Co., Ltd. is a well-known importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Greece, Turkey, and Algeria, and distributes it to supermarkets and food service providers in Japan.

13. Kyoei Sangyo Co., Ltd.
Kyoei Sangyo Co., Ltd. is a major player in the bluefin tuna import market in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Portugal, Cyprus, and Libya, and processes it into frozen products for the Japanese market.

14. Nichiro Corporation
Nichiro Corporation is a leading importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Malta, Japan, and Tunisia, and supplies it to wholesalers and retailers in Japan.

15. Yamayuki Group
Yamayuki Group is a well-established importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Spain, Croatia, and Egypt, and distributes it to restaurants and sushi bars across Japan.

16. Itochu Corporation
Itochu Corporation is a diversified trading company that is also involved in the bluefin tuna import market in Japan. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, and supplies it to retailers and wholesalers in Japan.

17. Marubeni Corporation
Marubeni Corporation is a leading importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Italy, France, and Morocco, and processes it into a variety of products for the Japanese market.

18. Mitsubishi Corporation
Mitsubishi Corporation is a well-known importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Greece, Turkey, and Algeria, and distributes it to supermarkets and food service providers in Japan.

19. Sumitomo Corporation
Sumitomo Corporation is a major player in the bluefin tuna import market in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Portugal, Cyprus, and Libya, and processes it into frozen products for the Japanese market.

20. Sojitz Corporation
Sojitz Corporation is a leading importer of bluefin tuna in Japan, with a market share of around 1%. The company imports bluefin tuna from countries like Malta, Japan, and Tunisia, and supplies it to wholesalers and retailers in Japan.

Insights:

The bluefin tuna market in Japan continues to thrive, with an increasing demand for this prized fish. As the top importer of bluefin tuna, Japan relies on a diverse group of companies to supply the market with high-quality products. With sustainability becoming a key concern in the seafood industry, companies are exploring new ways to ensure the long-term viability of bluefin tuna stocks. As consumer preferences shift towards more ethically sourced and sustainable seafood, companies will need to adapt to meet these changing demands. The future of the bluefin tuna market in Japan looks promising, with opportunities for growth and innovation in the years to come.

Related Analysis: View Previous Industry Report

Author: Robert Gultig in conjunction with ESS Research Team

Robert Gultig is a veteran Managing Director and International Trade Consultant with over 20 years of experience in global trading and market research. Robert leverages his deep industry knowledge and strategic marketing background (BBA) to provide authoritative market insights in conjunction with the ESS Research Team. If you would like to contribute articles or insights, please join our team by emailing support@essfeed.com.
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