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
22
Aug
UBE Corporation JP3158800007
2026-08-21 UBE Corporation “Announcement (August 21, 2026): We have released a video on our official YouTube channel about the US DMC/EMC factory construction project.”
22
Aug
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-08-21 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “August 21, 2026 Management/Business [Timely Disclosure] (Progress of Disclosed Matters) Notice Regarding Changes in a Specified Subsidiary (PDF: 158.3KB).”
21
Aug
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-08-20 Shiseido Company,Limited “A highly anticipated product that sold out immediately after its release on August 20, 2026*! Revital's eye pack, which provides under-eye bag care with a "pseudo-skin film that you apply," is finally back in stock!”
21
Aug
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-08-20 Kao Corporation “Kao accelerates growth strategy for "SOFINA" brand, expanding its core brand "SOFINA iP" to include anti-aging*1 items. (News release dated August 20, 2026)”
21
Aug
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-08-20 Denka Company Limited “Notice: Results of the soil contamination survey at the former Ofuna factory site.”
21
Aug
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-08-20 Tokuyama Corporation “Tokuyama Vietnam holds opening ceremony for new polycrystalline silicon plant.”
21
Aug
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-08-20 Shiseido Company,Limited “A highly anticipated product that sold out immediately after its release on August 20, 2026*! Revital's eye pack, which provides under-eye bag care with a "pseudo-skin film that you apply," is finally back in stock!”
21
Aug
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-08-20 Kao Corporation “Kao accelerates growth strategy for "SOFINA" brand, expanding its core brand "SOFINA iP" to include anti-aging*1 items. (News release dated August 20, 2026)”
21
Aug
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-08-20 Denka Company Limited “Notice: Results of the soil contamination survey at the former Ofuna factory site.”
21
Aug
Tokuyama Corporation JP3625000009
2026-08-20 Tokuyama Corporation “Tokuyama Vietnam holds opening ceremony for new polycrystalline silicon plant.”
20
Aug
FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation JP3814000000
2026-08-19 FUJIFILM Holdings Corporation “Fujifilm Business Innovation begins full-scale operation of its Philippine resource recycling base, "Circular Manufacturing Center."”
20
Aug
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-08-19 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “2026/08/19 Business-related NEW: Commercialization of ultra-high-purity colloidal silica for cutting-edge semiconductors – New production facilities to be established in the Kyushu Plant/Fukuoka area.”
20
Aug
Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation JP3897700005
2026-08-19 Mitsubishi Chemical Group Corporation “Announcement 2026/08/19 NEW We have posted the financial results transcript for the first quarter of the fiscal year ending March 2027.”
20
Aug
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-08-19 Denka Company Limited “Notice: FY2026 First Quarter Financial Results Presentation Materials (with script).”
19
Aug
Denka Company Limited JP3549600009
2026-08-18 Denka Company Limited “Announcement: Q&A session at the FY2026 First Quarter Financial Results Briefing.”
19
Aug
SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED JP3401400001
2026-08-18 SUMITOMO CHEMICAL COMPANY,LIMITED “Epson and Sumitomo Chemical have begun a technology partnership regarding piezoelectric thin-film materials.”
19
Aug
KURARAY CO.,LTD. JP3269600007
2026-08-18 KURARAY CO.,LTD. “<Clarino> Ah-kun Schoolbag Fund.”
18
Aug
Shiseido Company,Limited JP3351600006
2026-08-17 Shiseido Company,Limited “August 17, 2026: d program's new Skin Repair Cream product and brand: "Advanced moisturizing care" that continuously protects the stratum corneum barrier, with a double-film design for sensitive skin.”
18
Aug
Kao Corporation JP3205800000
2026-08-17 Kao Corporation “Kao develops AI agent to support demand planning. (News release, August 17, 2026) [Management, Finance, IT, DX]”
18
Aug
Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. JP3888300005
2026-08-17 Mitsui Chemicals,Inc. “August 17, 2026 Management/Business [Timely Disclosure] (Progress of Disclosed Matters) Notice Regarding Completion of Acquisition Procedures for Ultradent, Inc. (USA) (PDF: 126.5KB).”