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
01
Oct
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-09-30 TOSOH CORPORATION “September 30, 2026 Announcement: Integrated Report "TOSOH REPORT" and Sustainability Report Published. A video explaining the key points of the integrated report is also available on the official YouTube channel.”
01
Oct
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-09-30 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Announcement regarding the Biondo® exhibit at "Food Development Exhibition 2026" [October 14th (Wed) – 16th (Fri) / Tokyo Big Sight].”
30
Sep
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-09-29 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm Business Innovation has developed spatial sensing technology utilizing its proprietary laser light source, "Smart Addressable VCSEL."”
30
Sep
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. JP3371200001
2026-09-29 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. “We have published "Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd.: A 100-Year History."”
30
Sep
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-09-29 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “The product carbon footprint calculation tool "CFP- TOMO® " has received a validation statement from a third-party organization.”
30
Sep
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-09-29 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Announcement regarding the listing of Klasas Chemical Co., Ltd. on the Tokyo Stock Exchange Standard Market.”
30
Sep
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-09-29 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “We developed a special moisture-regulating composite fiber called <Nymphas®>.”
29
Sep
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-09-28 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm Group revises its targets for water resource conservation.”
29
Sep
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-09-28 Kao Corporation “Mizuho has signed an agreement for "Mizuho Natural Capital Impact Finance" (announcement dated September 28, 2026). (Management, Finance, Sustainability)”
29
Sep
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-09-28 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “September 28, 2026: Other NEW information regarding the transfer of shares of Mitsubishi Chemical Logistics Co., Ltd.”
29
Sep
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-09-28 Tokuyama Corporation “We will be exhibiting for the first time at "TOKYO PACK2026 Tokyo International Packaging Exhibition".”
29
Sep
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-09-28 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Sumitomo Chemical and Kyushu University have demonstrated high optical modulation efficiency and ultrafast operation of 180 Gbaud using an optical modulator with a KNN thin-film substrate.”
29
Sep
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-09-28 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Notice regarding the distribution asset ratio (final estimated value) related to the partial spin-off of Clasas Chemical (petrochemical business).”
29
Sep
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-09-28 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “Regarding the cancellation of the "Clarino Beautiful Legs Award" 2026.”
26
Sep
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-09-25 UBE Corporation “Announcement (September 25, 2026): We held "UBE Transformation Day 2026," an internal event to discuss the future of UBE.”
25
Sep
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-09-24 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “We have developed a material for forming transparent thin films with an ultra-low refractive index.”
20
Sep
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-09-19 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “We have signed a memorandum of understanding with Tata Electronics of India to explore collaboration on semiconductor materials.”
19
Sep
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-09-18 Shiseido Company,Limited “On September 18, 2026, SHISEIDO Fragrance "GINZA" launched a new product line expressing a fleeting and mysterious beauty.”
19
Sep
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-09-18 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “Announcement (2026/09/18): NEW! We will be exhibiting at the 6th Sustainable Materials Exhibition (Tokyo).”
19
Sep
Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. JP3371200001
2026-09-18 Shin-Etsu Chemical Co.,Ltd. “We have disclosed the scheduled date and time for the announcement of our financial results for the second quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2027.”