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
19
Jun
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-06-18 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Resonaq and Kansai University are intensifying their joint research on a novel analytical method for solubility parameters, establishing a joint research base within Kansai University to advance materials design.”
18
Jun
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-06-17 UBE Corporation “June 17, 2026 Announcement [TV Broadcast Information] UBE President Yuki Nishida will be appearing live in the studio on TV Tokyo's "Morning Satellite".”
18
Jun
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-06-17 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “June 17, 2026 – Business-related NEW: A new heat dissipation device design has resulted in a 47% weight reduction of a planar antenna for NTN. Operation as a satellite communication user terminal has been confirmed, making it possible to mount it on drones and vehicles.”
18
Jun
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-06-17 Denka Company Limited “IR 167th Annual Securities Report.”
18
Jun
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-06-17 Resonac Holdings Corporation “The patent for liquid encapsulant for semiconductor packages used in generation AI has been retained – a key technology that will contribute to improving the performance of 2.5D semiconductor packages, for which demand is expected to expand.”
17
Jun
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-06-16 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm has jointly developed an "in-line Raman high-sensitivity measurement system" that visualizes the culture and purification processes in biopharmaceutical manufacturing in real time.”
17
Jun
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-06-16 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/06/16 Business-related NEW Audi's new "Audi Q3" door switch panel will use "DURABIO," a plant-derived bio-engineering plastic.”
17
Jun
Nissan Chemical Corporation JP3670800006
2026-06-16 Nissan Chemical Corporation “(Correction/Correction of numerical data) Regarding a partial correction to the "Financial Results Summary for the Fiscal Year Ended March 2026 [Japanese Standards] (Consolidated)".”
16
Jun
NITTO DENKO CORPORATION JP3684000007
2026-06-15 NITTO DENKO CORPORATION “The video of the 2026 company information session held on May 29th has been released.”
16
Jun
NITTO DENKO CORPORATION JP3684000007
2026-06-15 NITTO DENKO CORPORATION “The announcement of our first-quarter financial results for the fiscal year ending March 2027 is scheduled for Tuesday, July 28th.”
16
Jun
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-06-15 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm received the 2026 Japan Society of Photographic Sciences "Technical Award" for the development of the integrated lens digital camera "FUJIFILM GFX100RF".”
16
Jun
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-06-15 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “June 15, 2026 IR: Briefing on Life & Healthcare Solutions Business Strategy, Focusing on Developing a Third Pillar Through M&A in Dental Materials (PDF: 2.4MB).”
16
Jun
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-06-15 Denka Company Limited “Notice of personnel changes effective July 1, 2026.”
16
Jun
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-06-15 TOSOH CORPORATION “June 15, 2026 News Release: Notice of Price Revision for Caustic Soda.”
16
Jun
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-06-15 TOSOH CORPORATION “June 15, 2026 News Release: Notice of Price Revision for Sodium Bicarbonate (Baking Soda).”
16
Jun
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-06-15 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Regarding the price revision of chloroprene rubber.”
13
Jun
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-06-12 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “June 12, 2026 Management/Business [Timely Disclosure] Announcement Regarding the Conclusion of an Acquisition Agreement for Ultradent, Inc. (USA) (PDF: 284.5KB).”
12
Jun
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-06-11 Shiseido Company,Limited “June 11, 2026: "The Ginza Revitalizer n" – a cream that leads to radiant, glowing skin. Product/Brand.”
12
Jun
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-06-11 Kao Corporation “Announcement June 11, 2026: "Hiyashima School," a heat stress prevention course for elementary and junior high school students, opens, where children can learn practical heat stress prevention measures they can implement themselves.”
12
Jun
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-06-11 Tokuyama Corporation “Regarding the price revision of liquid caustic soda.”