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
+0.49%
Simple average of constituent stock price changes vs. previous close. Not a sector index.
Updated: 2026-10-28 (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
27
May
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-05-26 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Horiba Advanced Technology has joined "JOINT3," a consortium for next-generation semiconductor packaging.”
26
May
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-05-25 Shiseido Company,Limited “May 25, 2026: Enhance skin beauty with moisturizing and cleansing ingredients.”
26
May
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-05-25 Shiseido Company,Limited “On May 25, 2026, Shiseido received the "First Prize" for its most outstanding research paper at the 2026 China Cosmetics Science and Technology Conference. (Research & Supply Network)”
26
May
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-05-25 Kao Corporation “Kao Arts and Science Foundation, a public interest incorporated foundation, has announced the recipients (2 people) of the Kao Science Award, and will hold an award ceremony and commemorative lecture. (News release, May 25, 2026) Foundation Social Contribution.”
26
May
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-05-25 UBE Corporation “Notice of holiday closure on June 1st (anniversary of our founding) – May 25, 2026.”
26
May
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-05-25 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “Announcement 2026/05/25 NEWSPEXA 2026 – [International] Space Business Exhibition – Exhibitor Information.”
26
May
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-05-25 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/05/25 Business-related NEW: Announcement regarding the commencement of discussions toward the spin-off of the petrochemical business.”
26
May
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-05-25 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “We have posted the materials for the 2026 Business Strategy Briefing, which was held on May 25, 2026.”
26
May
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-05-25 Tokuyama Corporation “We were selected as a "Supplier Engagement Leader," the highest rating in CDP's "Supplier Engagement Evaluation," for the second consecutive year.”
26
May
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-05-25 TOSOH CORPORATION “News release dated May 25, 2026: Personnel changes (218.4 KB).”
26
May
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-05-25 TOSOH CORPORATION “Announcement dated May 25, 2026: Notice regarding the discontinuation of the greeting cards for newly appointed officers.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “We will expand our product portfolio of high-purity alumina and accelerate our business expansion into the advanced semiconductor market.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Announcement of our participation in the 10th Bio-Pharmaceuticals EXPO at Interphex Week Tokyo.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Announcement regarding the Biondo® exhibit at "HFE JAPAN 2026," an exhibition on health and functional food ingredients [May 27th (Wed) – 29th (Fri) / Tokyo Big Sight].”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice of the conclusion of a stock exchange agreement (simplified stock exchange) for the complete acquisition of Koei Chemical Co., Ltd. by Sumitomo Chemical Co., Ltd.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice Regarding the Decrease in the Amount of "Capital Reserve" and its Transfer to "Other Capital Surplus" as a Result of the Stock Exchange.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice Regarding Differences Between the Individual Performance of Our Consolidated Subsidiary (Sumitomo Pharma Co., Ltd.) and the Previous Fiscal Year.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “SMS message regarding the final accounts for March 2026.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice Regarding the Reversal of Impairment Losses on Shares of Affiliated Companies in Individual Financial Statements.”
26
May
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice Regarding the Recognition of Financial Income (Foreign Exchange Gains).”