Nikkei Industry Sector
Chemicals
Overview
Japan's chemicals sector within the Nikkei 225 encompasses specialty chemical producers, petrochemical companies, industrial gas suppliers, and advanced material manufacturers. Japanese chemical companies are globally recognized for expertise in high-purity and high-precision chemicals used in semiconductor manufacturing, display panels, and advanced industrial processes.
Current Trend
Semiconductor-related specialty chemicals are experiencing exceptional demand growth as global chipmakers expand capacity for AI and advanced computing applications. Japanese suppliers in this niche enjoy strong pricing power and long qualification cycles that protect their positions even as new entrants attempt to compete.
Companies in This Sector
16
ASAHI KASEI CORPORATION
Denka Company Limited
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation
Kao Corporation
KURARAY CO.,LTD.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc.
Nissan Chemical Corporation
NITTO DENKO CORPORATION
Resonac Holdings Corporation
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd.
Shiseido Company,Limited
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED
Tokuyama Corporation
TOSOH CORPORATION
UBE Corporation
Today's Avg. Price Change
+0.07%
Simple average of constituent stock price changes vs. previous close. Not a sector index.
Updated: 2026-10-23 (JST)
Position in Japan
Japanese chemicals punches above its weight in specialty and functional chemicals, where precision and consistency command premium pricing. Semiconductor-related chemicals—photoresists, CMP slurries, ultra-high-purity process chemicals—represent a particularly strategic subsegment where Japanese suppliers hold dominant global positions.
Latest Press Releases
05
Aug
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-08-04 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Next-generation chemical calculation technology evaluated in real-world materials development – Transition state calculations, key to chemical reaction analysis, are approximately 28 times faster than conventional methods, leading to a significant improvement in the efficiency of semiconductor material development and other applications.”
05
Aug
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-08-04 Resonac Holdings Corporation “RESONAC Group publishes integrated report "RESONAC REPORT 2026" – Phase 2 of "Second Founding," a challenge for new growth!”
04
Aug
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-08-03 Shiseido Company,Limited “August 3, 2026: Envelops the skin from all directions with a "tension membrane," tightening it and filling it with firmness and elasticity.”
04
Aug
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-08-03 Shiseido Company,Limited “August 3, 2026: [Sagging Improvement Simulation] Added a new feature to "Elixir AI Skin Analyzer," used by approximately 1.73 million people! Product/Brand.”
04
Aug
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-08-03 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm and Taiho Pharmaceutical have entered into a strategic partnership to develop next-generation antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) manufacturing technology (Fujifilm).”
04
Aug
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-08-03 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Regarding support for areas and victims affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.”
04
Aug
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-08-03 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “August 3, 2026: Other NEW Information – Regarding the introduction of floating solar power generation equipment at the Hiroshima office.”
04
Aug
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-08-03 TOSOH CORPORATION “August 3, 2026 Announcement: The research and development column "Development of Printed Electronics Materials" has been updated.”
04
Aug
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-08-03 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice Regarding the Determination of the Decrease in the Amount of Capital Reserve Increased by the Stock Exchange and the Amount of Transfer to Other Capital Surplus.”
01
Aug
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-07-31 Kao Corporation “We extend our deepest sympathies to all those affected by the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.”
01
Aug
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-07-31 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/07/31 Financial Results NEW We have announced our financial results for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2027 (Financial Results Presentation Materials).”
01
Aug
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-07-31 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/07/31 Financial Results Information NEW Notice Regarding Revision of Consolidated Earnings Forecast for the Second Quarter (Interim Period) of the Fiscal Year Ending March 2027.”
01
Aug
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-07-31 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “July 31, 2026 Financial Statements Information: Financial Statements for the First Quarter of 2027 (IFRS) (link).”
01
Aug
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-07-31 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “Announcement (2026/07/31): NEW Information regarding support for the 2026 Kumamoto Earthquake.”
01
Aug
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-07-31 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “On July 31, 2026, a consortium of seven companies, with CFP Co., Ltd. as the lead company, was selected for the Ministry of Business and the Environment's "FS Project for the Establishment of a Stable Supply System for Recycled Plastics for Automobiles, etc."”
01
Aug
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-07-31 Denka Company Limited “Notice Regarding Organizational Restructuring Effective August 1, 2026.”
31
Jul
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-07-30 Kao Corporation “Kao Corporation to hold 'KBBC BRAND EVANGELIST FORUM 2026' on July 30, 2026. (Management/Finance)”
31
Jul
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. JP3371200001
2026-07-30 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. “Notice Regarding the Results of Share Repurchases Through Off-Exchange Transactions (ToSTNeT-3) and the Completion of Share Repurchases.”
31
Jul
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. JP3371200001
2026-07-30 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. “Notice Regarding the Determination of the Issuance Terms for the 27th and 28th Series of Stock Acquisition Rights through a Third-Party Allotment for the Acquisition of Treasury Stock via Commitment-Type Share Acquisition (FCSR).”
31
Jul
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-07-30 Tokuyama Corporation “Tokuyama's "Survey for the Construction of an Integrated Supply Chain for Renewable Energy-Derived Hydrogen and Domestically Produced Magnesium Utilizing Magnesium Hydride" has been selected in a NEDO (New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization) public offering.”