⚖️ Kan Weight Converter (貫 to kg)

The Kan Weight Converter converts between kan (貫) and modern weight units. The kan is the largest standard unit in the traditional Japanese weight system, equal to 3.75 kg (8.27 lbs).

The kan is still used in specific Japanese markets: pearl trading (international pearl prices are quoted per kan), seafood auctions (especially tuna at Tsukiji/Toyosu Market), and precious metal trading. The kan was officially abolished for general commerce in 1958 but persists in these specialized industries.

Conversion formula:

The Japanese weight system is decimal-based:

• 1 kan = 1000 momme (匁)
• 1 kan = 3.75 kg (8.267 lbs)
• 1 momme = 3.75 g (0.132 oz)

For pearls: A 1-kan pearl necklace contains approximately 7.5 mm x 50 pearls, weighing 3.75 kg total. Pearl prices are internationally quoted in "kan" at major pearl auctions in Kobe and Hong Kong.

For pearl and precious metal weights (smaller units), use our momme converter. For general metric conversions, the weight converter handles kg, g, lb, and oz. The shakkanho bundle converter includes all traditional units.

1. Enter the weight in kan (e.g. 10 for a mid-size tuna portion).
2. Select the target unit.
3. Click Convert for instant results.
4. Check the reference table for momme conversion.

How many kg is one kan?

One kan equals exactly 3.75 kg (8.267 lbs). This is defined as 1000 momme, where 1 momme = 3.75 g. The kan is the largest standard traditional Japanese weight unit.

Is the kan still used in Japan?

The kan was abolished for general commerce in 1958 but persists in specific industries: pearl trading (international standard), tuna auctions at Toyosu Market, and some traditional markets. It also appears in historical contexts.

Why are pearls measured in kan?

The kan became the international pearl weight standard because Japan dominated Akoya pearl cultivation in the early 20th century. Even today, South Sea and Tahitian pearl prices are quoted per kan at major auctions in Kobe, Hong Kong, and Papeete.

How much does a 100-kan tuna weigh?

A 100-kan tuna weighs 375 kg (827 lbs). This is a medium-sized bluefin. The largest bluefin tuna can exceed 300 kan (1125 kg / 2480 lbs). Record auction prices at Toyosu have exceeded 3 million yen per kan.

What is the relationship between kan and momme?

1 kan = 1000 momme. The momme (匁, 3.75 g) is the base unit of the traditional Japanese weight system. The kan (貫) is simply 1000 momme. Pearl quality is often described in momme weight (e.g. "7.5 momme strand").

Tuna auctions use kan. At Toyosu Market, large bluefin tuna are weighed in kan (1 kan = 3.75 kg). A 100-kan tuna weighs 375 kg. Auction prices are often quoted as "yen per kan."

Pearls are priced per kan. The international pearl trade (Akoya pearls from Japan, South Sea pearls) uses kan as the standard weight unit. A typical Akoya pearl strand weighs about 20-30 momme (75-112.5 g).

The kan vs kilogram: 1 kan = 3.75 kg. To convert kg to kan, divide by 3.75. To convert kan to kg, multiply by 3.75. A 10-kan weight = 37.5 kg, roughly the weight of a large bag of rice.

Precious metals: The momme (1/1000 kan = 3.75 g) is still used in Japanese gold and silver retail. Gold prices in Japan may be quoted as "yen per momme" alongside "yen per gram."