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
08
Apr
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-04-07 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “The 23rd installment of "Schoolbags Across the Sea": Preparations for departure – unpacking, inspecting, and boxing schoolbags to be sent to Afghanistan.”
07
Apr
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-04-06 Shiseido Company,Limited “On April 6, 2026, Majolica Majorca's single eyeshadows were renewed! The new product and brand will be launched as "Majoscope Shadow".”
07
Apr
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-04-06 Shiseido Company,Limited “April 6, 2026: Naturally change the "black" impression of your eyebrows.”
07
Apr
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-04-06 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “April 6, 2026: NEWIOWN demonstrates a high-capacity, low-latency communication environment to support the advancement of industrial complexes using APN and 60GHz band wireless LAN – towards building a foundation for outdoor smart maintenance.”
07
Apr
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-04-06 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “April 6, 2026 Management/Business: Mitsui Chemicals Fine and James Robinson Speciality Ingredients have agreed to a strategic partnership for the market development of the hair color dye "Jarocol®" in Japan.”
07
Apr
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-04-06 Tokuyama Corporation “We have signed a sponsorship agreement with professional golfer Hikari Fujita.”
07
Apr
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-04-06 Denka Company Limited “Product Information: Price revision notice for "Electronic Packaging Sheets and Cover Tapes".”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Regarding the integration of our French subsidiary to further expand our European pesticide-related business.”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Selected as an "Environmentally Sustainable Company" by the Ministry of the Environment's "ESG Finance Awards Japan".”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Announcement regarding the presentation of Biondo® at the "Japan Society for Bioscience, Biotechnology, and Agrochemistry 2026 Kyoto Conference".”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “The Chiba Plant received the "Kanto Bureau of Economy, Trade and Industry Director's Award for Excellent Energy Management Business."”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Notice of registration of new share issuance by our subsidiary.”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Regarding changes in officers and directors.”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Regarding organizational changes.”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “We have been certified as a "Health Management Excellent Corporation 2026 (Large Corporation Category) White 500" for the ninth consecutive year.”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Announcement regarding the acquisition of manufacturing and marketing approval for "Amshepri® ," an iPS cell-derived product for Parkinson's disease patients, by our subsidiary.”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “(Progress of Disclosed Matters) Notice Regarding the Conclusion of an Absorption-Type Company Split Agreement (Simplified Absorption-Type Company Split) Related to the Integration of Domestic Polyolefin Businesses (PP and LLDPE).”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “New biostimulant "Nobitec® " now available in Japan – Improves crop growth and yield by promoting photosynthesis and enhancing heat tolerance. .”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “We have released a YouTube video titled "A Close Look at an Employee's Challenge! ~[A Day in the Life] First Time on YouTube! A Rookie Sales General Manager with a Research Background Takes on a Challenging Project – Japan's First of its Kind~".”
07
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Sumitomo Chemical Group and T2 launch commercial operation of autonomous trucks, a first in the chemical industry – fully utilizing autonomous trucks for trunk line transportation of chemical products. .”