Manabu Chikimoto (筑本 学), president of Mitsubishi Chemical Group, signaled interest in acquiring major semiconductor materials company JSR and spoke candidly about the “parent-subsidiary reversal” issue involving Nippon Sanso Holdings, a subsidiary, as well as the future of petrochemical restructuring.
Mitsubishi Chemical Group’s structural reforms are nearly complete, and from fiscal 2026 it will shift to a more offensive strategy through the streamlining and restructuring of pharmaceuticals, petrochemicals, coke and other basic materials, including the sale of Mitsubishi Tanabe Pharma. In an interview for this feature, President Manabu Chikimoto (筑本 学) spoke about his interest in acquiring JSR and the outlook for future petrochemical restructuring.
Regarding restructuring in the petrochemical sector, discussions have focused on a restructuring centered on collaboration in the Keiyo area and the possibility of a major petrochemical restructuring in eastern Japan, including facilities in the Kashima area. The company expects ethylene plants to be shut down and consolidated. Chikimoto expressed support for integrating and jointly using large-scale facilities to strengthen Japan’s industrial base, and addressed questions about the direction of integration and restructuring in the petrochemical business.
On the next page, he also discusses his interest in acquiring JSR and the “parent-subsidiary reversal” issue involving Nippon Sanso Holdings, outlining the challenges facing the company following its structural reforms and its outlook for future strategy. Alongside petrochemical restructuring, rebuilding the business portfolio in light of domestic and overseas market conditions is expected to be a key focus going forward.