Following the announcement of the Nobel Prize in Chemistry, this feature introduces 20 Japanese stocks associated with technologies including asymmetric synthesis, chiral separation, organometallics and contract synthesis. Taking a scrapbook-style approach, it explores potential stocks through the award and its technology themes.
The Royal Swedish Academy of Sciences announced on 7 October 2026 that it would award the Nobel Prize in Chemistry to researchers from Japan and France. The award recognizes the discovery of nonlinear effects and autocatalysis that produce molecular mirror-image selectivity in asymmetric organic synthesis, marking the second consecutive year in which a Japanese researcher has received the prize.
The Soai reaction is characterized by its ability to select and amplify molecular handedness, with a slight bias growing through repeated reactions into a high degree of enantiomeric purity. Against the backdrop of the technology's industrial applications and the importance of related technologies, this article covers companies in areas including fragrances, fine chemicals, analytical instruments and contract synthesis.
The article highlights Takasago International as a leading company advancing the industrialization of asymmetric synthesis. It supplies asymmetric synthesis technologies for both fragrances and fine chemicals, with the sale of BINAP- and SEGPHOS-based ligands and its contract manufacturing capabilities cited as strengths. Recent results included a loss in fine chemicals due to shipment delays, but the company also indicates that it expects a recovery.
Another stock highlighted is Daicel, which is said to have the technological capabilities supporting an approximately 70% global share of chiral columns. Through its CHIRALPAK and CHIRALCEL brands, it provides separation of enantiomers worldwide and has outlined a growth strategy in life sciences. The article presents a plan to expand life sciences sales under the medium-term Accelerate 2030 strategy.