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
19
Sep
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-09-18 TOSOH CORPORATION “Announcement dated September 18, 2026: We will be exhibiting at "BioJapan2026".”
19
Sep
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-09-18 Resonac Holdings Corporation “We have invested in "Matter Venture Partners Fund II," a US venture capital firm specializing in hard tech. Through collaboration with Matter's VP, we aim to grasp cutting-edge trends and utilize them for research and development and the creation of new business opportunities.”
19
Sep
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-09-18 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Notice Regarding the Determination of the Reference Price for the Listing of Klasas Chemical Co., Ltd. Shares.”
18
Sep
NITTO DENKO CORPORATION JP3684000007
2026-09-17 NITTO DENKO CORPORATION “Regarding investment in Matter Venture Partners Fund II, LP.”
18
Sep
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-09-17 Shiseido Company,Limited “September 17, 2026: Majolica Majorca's popular mascara "Peacock Long" will be released in a limited-edition holiday glitter x Snow Night color.”
18
Sep
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-09-17 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm and Tata Electronics have agreed to cooperate to accelerate the development of a semiconductor materials ecosystem in India (Fujifilm).”
18
Sep
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-09-17 UBE Corporation “Announcement dated 2026/09/17: We will be exhibiting at "High-Performance Materials Week 2026 / The 6th Sustainable Materials Exhibition".”
18
Sep
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-09-17 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/09/17 Other NEW Notice regarding completion of payment for the disposal of treasury stock as stock compensation.”
18
Sep
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-09-17 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “September 17, 2026: Management & Business Operations – We achieved a world-leading co-firing rate of 85% in the operation of our naphtha cracking furnace using ammonia fuel.”
18
Sep
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-09-17 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Notice regarding the estimated distribution ratio of assets related to the partial spin-off of Clasas Chemical (petrochemical business).”
17
Sep
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-09-16 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm Business Innovation has announced the winning entries of the "Innovation Print Awards 2026," a contest that evaluates digital printing works from Japan and abroad.”
17
Sep
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-09-16 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “September 16, 2026: Regarding our participation in the 6th Sustainable Materials Exhibition – SUSMA – (Management/Business).”
17
Sep
Resonac Holdings Corporation JP3368000000
2026-09-16 Resonac Holdings Corporation “Resonaq, in collaboration with Matlantis, has demonstrated a new feature for experimental chemists, "Matlantis Case Studio," which supports "ambidextrous" skills in both experimental and computational science. An alpha version of "Matlantis Case Studio" is planned for release.”
17
Sep
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-09-16 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “We exhibited at the 6th Sustainable Materials Exhibition (SUSMA).”
17
Sep
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-09-16 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “Kuraray Group donated approximately 9.9 million yen through its "100 Challenge" project, commemorating the 100th anniversary of the company's founding.”
15
Sep
NITTO DENKO CORPORATION JP3684000007
2026-09-14 NITTO DENKO CORPORATION “Nitto has launched a new commercial series, "Nitto and Kojikoji," featuring the popular character Kojikoji.”
15
Sep
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-09-14 Shiseido Company,Limited “September 14, 2026: Let's use the power of our wishes to make myself and the world shine.”
15
Sep
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-09-14 Shiseido Company,Limited “September 14, 2026 Elixir's new brand mission movie: "Love this skin, love to live."”
15
Sep
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-09-14 Kao Corporation “Kao-sponsored professional golfer Miyu Yamashita won the Sony Japan Women's Professional Golf Championship, a domestic women's professional golf tour event. (September 14, 2026, Sports Announcement)”
15
Sep
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-09-14 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “Sustainability ESG Briefing Session, September 14, 2026 (PDF: 2.8MB).”