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
-0.83%
Simple average of constituent stock price changes vs. previous close. Not a sector index.
Updated: 2026-10-30 (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
15
Jul
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-07-14 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “July 14, 2026 Management/Business [Timely Disclosure] (Progress of Disclosed Matters) Notice Regarding the Establishment of a New Company Following the Acquisition of Ultradent, Inc. (USA) (PDF: 196.8KB).”
14
Jul
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-07-13 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm Business Innovation launches security service to support corporate IT governance through SaaS account management.”
14
Jul
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-07-13 Kao Corporation “Kao aims to become Asia's No. 1 fashion color brand with "Liese," accelerating the growth of its hair care business. (News release July 13, 2026)”
14
Jul
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-07-13 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “Announcement 2026/07/13 NEW Mitsubishi Chemical's "Girls STEM Integrated Development Initiative" has won an award at the "HR Awards 2026" sponsored by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare and the Japan Human Resources Department.”
14
Jul
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-07-13 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Announcement regarding the introduction of Biondo® at "Shizuoka Wellness Foods EXPO 2026".”
14
Jul
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-07-13 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice of price revision for caustic soda.”
14
Jul
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-07-13 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice of price revision for polyethylene.”
14
Jul
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-07-13 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Resona's learning event, "Learning Fest," has been awarded in the Corporate Human Resources category of the "HR Awards 2026"—with approximately 1,500 participants in total, the initiative was recognized for fostering autonomous learning and interaction.”
11
Jul
NITTO DENKO CORPORATION JP3684000007
2026-07-10 NITTO DENKO CORPORATION “Notice regarding the status of share buybacks (190KB).”
11
Jul
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-07-10 Tokuyama Corporation “The company has been selected as a constituent of the ESG investment index "FTSE Blossom Japan Index" for the third consecutive year, and has also been continuously selected for the "FTSE Blossom Japan Sector Relative Index".”
11
Jul
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-07-10 TOSOH CORPORATION “Announcement regarding the disposal of treasury stock as restricted stock compensation, dated July 10, 2026.”
10
Jul
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-07-09 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm has released a new lens, the "Fujinon Lens GF19-35mmT3.5 PZ OIS WR".”
10
Jul
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-07-09 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/07/09 Other NEW A new brand communication campaign has begun! Featuring Haruka Ayase as the navigator, the new commercial "CHEMISTRY for The Planet" will begin airing on July 13th.”
10
Jul
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-07-09 Denka Company Limited “We are pleased to announce that we have been selected for the first time as a constituent stock in two ESG investment indices, including the "FTSE JPX Blossom Japan Index."”
10
Jul
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-07-09 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “Selected as a project by the New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO), we are participating as a carbon materials manufacturer in the development of next-generation sodium-ion batteries.”
09
Jul
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-07-08 Kao Corporation “KATE launches global promotion "KABUKE: Be unconventional."”
07
Jul
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-07-06 Shiseido Company,Limited “July 6, 2026: Shiseido discovers "Ring Collagen™," which envelops the face with tension and maintains its shape. Research and supply network.”
07
Jul
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-07-06 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Notice Regarding Adjustment of Conversion Price for Euroyen-Denominated Convertible Bonds with Stock Acquisition Rights Maturing in 2028.”
07
Jul
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-07-06 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Update on the partial spin-off of Clasas Chemical (petrochemical business) (regarding the decision on policies concerning in-kind dividends of subsidiary shares and changes in the subsidiary).”
04
Jul
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-07-03 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “We have released a new YouTube video titled "Sumika no Mikata ~ [Infiltrating the Exhibition!] How will cars change with materials and ideas? Let's talk with Sumitomo Chemical about 'transforming the world'!"”