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
04
Jul
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-07-03 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Actor Kenichi Takito tells a scary story?! The Cheerleaders are in action!! Two types of corporate commercials for Resonaq, which supports society with semiconductor materials, will begin airing on July 3rd.”
02
Jul
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-07-01 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm has released two new models: the waterproof "Utsurun-desu Active™" and the black and white film model "Utsurun-desu Black and White™".”
02
Jul
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-07-01 Kao Corporation “"Curél" launches "Long-lasting moisturizing oil serum" for rough skin under severe dry conditions. (News release date: July 1, 2026)”
02
Jul
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-07-01 UBE Corporation “2026/07/01 IR News: Report on Corporate Governance.”
02
Jul
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-07-01 UBE Corporation “July 1, 2026 IR News: Regarding Mitsubishi Cement Corporation's application for listing its shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange.”
02
Jul
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-07-01 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “July 1, 2026: Management & Business – Integration of Domestic Polyolefin Businesses: A New Step Towards Growth (PDF: 248.5KB).”
02
Jul
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. JP3371200001
2026-07-01 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. “The Magnetic Materials Division's Rare Earth Magnets website has been redesigned.”
02
Jul
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. JP3371200001
2026-07-01 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. “We have posted the video and summary of the Q&A session from the 149th Ordinary General Meeting of Shareholders.”
02
Jul
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-07-01 Denka Company Limited “Announcement: Denka's public relations magazine, "The Denka Way," Summer 2026 issue, published – Moving towards the next stage of growth, "rebuilding our earning power."”
02
Jul
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-07-01 TOSOH CORPORATION “July 1, 2026 Announcement: The research and development column "GaN film deposition technology by sputtering method" has been updated.”
02
Jul
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-07-01 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “(Progress of Disclosed Matters) Notice of the effective date of the business integration agreement, joint venture agreement, and absorption-type company split agreement between Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd., Prime Polymer Co., Ltd., Mitsui Chemicals, Inc., and Idemitsu Kosan Co., Ltd., concerning the integration of their domestic polyolefin businesses (PP, LLDPE), involving a company split (simplified absorption-type company split).”
02
Jul
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-07-01 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Sumitomo Chemical's corporate advertisement won the Excellence Award in the Technology category of the Yomiuri Advertising Awards.”
01
Jul
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-06-30 Shiseido Company,Limited “June 30, 2026: Clé de Peau Beauté launches pre-makeup products and brands that manipulate light, enhancing even your aura with the aesthetics of light.”
01
Jul
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-06-30 Kao Corporation “Kao Corporation has released the "Kao Integrated Report 2026" and the "Kao Sustainability Report 2026" (News Release, June 30, 2026). (Management, Finance, Sustainability)”
01
Jul
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-06-30 UBE Corporation “News release dated June 30, 2026: A plan to build a large-scale supply chain for low-carbon ammonia has received certification under the "Price Difference Support System."”
01
Jul
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-06-30 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “June 30, 2026 Management/Business: Announcement of the recipients of the 2026 Mitsui Chemicals Catalysis Science Award.”
01
Jul
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-06-30 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Plan to build a large-scale supply chain for low-carbon ammonia receives certification under the "Price Difference Support System" – Utilizing clean ammonia from India in Japan's power, chemical, and industrial sectors. .”
01
Jul
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-06-30 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “Notice Regarding the Resignation of an Auditor.”
30
Jun
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-06-29 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) have agreed to cooperate in strengthening the foundation of cancer treatment through medical imaging technology and human resource development.”
30
Jun
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-06-29 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/06/29 Other NEW: The "Physical Internet Realization Conference – Chemicals Working Group" formulates standard guidelines for chemical logistics information. It introduces the industry's first data linkage platform to address transportation capacity shortages.”