Pacific Bluefin Tuna in Japan

Nationally controlled and separately regulated. Fish under 30 kg may not be taken at all; over 30 kg is one per person per two-month period, under a notification system in force since April 2026. Seasons close mid-month when the national cap is neared.

The fish

Japanese: クロマグロ · kuromaguro
Scientific name: Thunnus orientalis
Typical size: 80–250 cm (31–98 in)
Water: Saltwater

Recreational retention is subject to national catch controls that change. Confirm before travelling.

Across the year

The best month at any of the 4 places we have checked. Each place has its own window, and the season elsewhere in Japan may differ.

Where we have checked it

These are examples, not a complete list. Pacific Bluefin Tuna is caught far more widely in Japan than the 4 waters below. We list a place only once we have worked out which rules apply there, so the absence of a water means we have not checked it — not that the fish is missing.

OmaAomori · SaltwaterJune, July, August, September and October are the prime months.
Hachijo-jimaTokyo · SaltwaterApril, May, September and October are the prime months.
Hagi & Sea of Japan coastYamaguchi · SaltwaterJune, July, August and September are the prime months.
KumejimaOkinawa · SaltwaterApril, May and June are the prime months.