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
Apr
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-03-31 Shiseido Company,Limited “As of March 31, 2026, d program's "High-Performance Base Lotion*1 and Emulsion" has surpassed 2.5 million units shipped*2 and seen a 25% increase in the number of loyal users*3.”
01
Apr
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-03-31 Shiseido Company,Limited “On March 31, 2026, Shiseido won gold awards in two categories at "ADFEST 2026": Sustainability, Culture & Sports.”
01
Apr
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-03-31 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm has released two new digital X-ray fluoroscopy systems: "CUREVISTA Open ff" and "CUREVISTA Apex ff".”
01
Apr
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-03-31 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm Announcement Regarding Executive and Personnel Changes (Fujifilm).”
01
Apr
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-03-31 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm Holdings Announces Changes in Executives and Personnel.”
01
Apr
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-03-31 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “March 31, 2026 – Other: Regarding the introduction of a restricted stock compensation plan for employees of Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation.”
01
Apr
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-03-31 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “Regarding the partial revision of the executive compensation system (introduction of Mars Clawback clause) effective March 31, 2026 (PDF: 410.7KB).”
01
Apr
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-03-31 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/03/31 Business-related NEW: Regarding the termination of the joint investment relationship in the manufacturing and sales of MMA monomer in Taiwan.”
01
Apr
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-03-31 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “2026.03.31 IR Corporate Governance (PDF: 120.3KB).”
01
Apr
TOSOH CORPORATION JP3595200001
2026-03-31 TOSOH CORPORATION “March 31, 2026 News Release: Notice of Price Revision for Paste PVC Resin.”
01
Apr
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-03-31 Denka Company Limited “Announcement: Japan Development Bank to participate in the investment scheme for acquiring shares in Kainos Co., Ltd. ~ Accelerating the growth of the healthcare business through strengthening alliances in the in vitro diagnostics field ~.”
01
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Participating in the "GCNJ Summit 2026 – Fairness at work and home -" – We endorse the realization of "fair working conditions" and declare our company's actions. .”
01
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Announcement regarding the Biondo® exhibit at "Health Expo 2026" [February 25th (Wed) – 27th (Fri) / Tokyo Big Sight].”
01
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Lumus and Sumitomo Chemical begin licensing PMMA chemical recycling technology on a commercial scale – promoting global resource recycling of acrylic resins. .”
01
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".”
01
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “We have released a YouTube video titled "Sumika no Mikata ~[Pioneering the Future of Materials] Connecting Natural Materials and People with Information: ' Biondo® '~".”
01
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 Operators."”
01
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.”
01
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".”
01
Apr
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Regarding changes in officers and directors.”