Japanese AI Winners: Toilets, Glass Fiber, Seasoning
Three long-established Japanese manufacturers — Toto, Nittobo and Ajinomoto — have seen strong share-price gains in 2026 as demand tied to AI-driven semiconductor supply chains lifts their electronic-materials businesses. Toto, best known for toilets, supplies ceramic electrostatic chucks used in semiconductor manufacturing; Nittobo sells advanced glass fiber (T-glass and “Special Glass”) for printed circuit boards and package substrates; Ajinomoto produces ABF (build-up film) insulation used in semiconductor packaging. Each reported sharp growth in semiconductor-related segments for the financial year ended March 31, and the companies are reallocating capital expenditure and production capacity to meet server and data-center demand driven by AI.
- •Toto shares have risen about 78% year-to-date in 2026.
- •Nittobo shares have risen about 63% year-to-date in 2026.
- •Ajinomoto shares have risen about 61% year-to-date in 2026.