Japan Adhesives and Sealants Market

Japan Adhesives and Sealants Market Size and Share:

The Japan adhesives and sealants market size was valued at USD 4.1 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 6 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.30% from 2025-2033. The Japan adhesives and sealants market is driven by robust demand from the automotive and electronics sectors, emphasizing lightweight and durable materials. Growing infrastructure projects boost demand in construction. Innovations in eco-friendly, high-performance formulations and strong research and development (R&D) activities further propel market growth, meeting sustainability and performance standards.

Advanced automotive and electronics industries significantly drive the market for adhesives and sealants in Japan. Lightweight and fuel-efficient vehicle trends encourage using adhesives instead of conventional fastening technologies, thus making the vehicles both more efficient and lighter. Electronics also benefit through adhesives in assembling thin components, providing durability and better functionality. Growing trends such as electric vehicles (EVs) and miniaturized consumer electronics further boost demand for specialized formulations with superior thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties. In line with this, the Japanese government aims to have 100% of new light-duty vehicle (LDV) sales be electric vehicles (EVs) by 2035, alongside a 46% reduction in CO2 emissions by FY 2030 compared to FY 2013 levels. These high-tech applications necessitate continuous R&D to develop innovative, high-performance products, solidifying the market's reliance on adhesives and sealants in achieving both efficiency and innovation. 

Japan’s commitment to sustainability is evident in both its infrastructure and automotive sectors. The government’s initiatives to modernize infrastructure and promote urban redevelopment drive significant demand for advanced adhesives and sealants, which offer durability, flexibility, and weather resistance for earthquake-resistant buildings and energy-efficient construction. Green building practices further emphasize the need for eco-friendly materials. At the same time, the Japanese government has set a target for all new cars sold by 2035 to be Clean Energy Vehicles (CEVs). To support this initiative, it is providing subsidies for Battery Electric Vehicles (BEVs), Plug-in Hybrid Electric Vehicles (PHEVs), and Fuel Cell Electric Vehicles (FCEVs). In 2021, the GOJ provided up to 800,000 Japanese Yen (approximately 7,200 US Dollars) in subsidies per vehicle, reflecting Japan's broader environmental focus, which aligns with its sustainable construction and mobility goals.

Japan Adhesives and Sealants Market Trends:

Shift towards Green and Sustainable products

In addition, the stringent environmental regulations combined with consumer need for sustainable options have led Japan's adhesives and sealants market in an increasing popularity toward eco-friendly formulations. It has been further witnessed that a large number of manufacturers are concentrating on bio-based and solvent-free adhesives and thus reducing the volatile organic compounds. Waterborne, ultraviolet cured, and light curing adhesives are showing popularity in many packaging and building industries due to low environmental footprints and other benefits. The other factor supporting this trend is raw material technology development, which makes it possible to produce adhesives with superior bonding properties and biodegradability. Packaging and labeling also fall under the scope of sustainability as companies are using recyclable and low-impact materials, thereby aiding the Japan adhesives and sealants market growth.

Increased Usage in Electric Vehicles (EVs)

The growing adoption of electric vehicles is highly influential for the adhesives and sealants market in Japan. The increase in demand for small vehicles is driven by the densely populated cities and support from policies, such as the availability of electric models like the Nissan Sakura and Mitsubishi eK-X. Sales of the ICE vehicles account for nearly 60% of sales while over half of the EV sales were for small models during 2023. In this regard, lightweight materials and advanced bonding technologies are highly necessary in providing improvement in vehicle performance and energy efficiency. Adhesives are crucial in EV manufacturing, especially in battery packs, electronic systems, and structural components, where they replace traditional fasteners. The demand for specialized adhesives also grows with the increasing production of EV charging infrastructure, which relies on durable sealants for assembly and weatherproofing.

Advancements in Smart Adhesives and Sealants 

In Japan, technological development is driving smart adhesives and sealants. These are products designed to possess functionalities that include self-healing, thermal conductivity, and environmental responsiveness and are finding uses in various fields such as electronics, healthcare, and construction. The electronics sector finds it beneficial to enhance the durability and functionality of miniaturized devices by using smart adhesives, while in the construction sector, self-healing sealants contribute to a more extended lifespan with reduced maintenance costs. Sensor/IoT Integration in Adhesive Formulations. The integration of sensors and IoT in adhesive formulations is also creating new opportunities in structural health and performance monitoring. Innovations like this reflect Japan's strong focus on R&D, its ability to stay at the forefront of high-tech, value-added adhesive solutions, and the positive impact these have on the Japan adhesives and sealants market outlook.

Japan Adhesives and Sealants Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Japan adhesives and sealants market, along with forecasts at the country and regional levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on adhesive type, sealant type, technology, and application.

Analysis by Adhesive Type:

• Acrylic
• PVA
• Polyurethanes
• Styrenic Block Copolymers
• Epoxy
• EVA
• Others

Acrylic adhesives are commonly utilized due to their excellent bonding strength, long-lasting durability, and resistance to various environmental conditions. They are commonly applied in automotive, construction, and packaging industries, where flexibility and long-term performance are essential.

Consistent with this, PVA (Polyvinyl Acetate) adhesives are water-based and are mainly utilized in industries such as woodworking, packaging, and paper. They are favored for their cost-effectiveness, ease of application, and strong adhesion to porous materials like wood and paper.

In addition, polyurethane adhesives are highly versatile, providing superior strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and moisture. They are extensively used in the construction, automotive, and footwear industries for a range of structural and non-structural bonding applications.

Meanwhile, the styrenic block copolymers adhesives provide excellent flexibility, elasticity, and adhesion to various surfaces. They are often used in packaging, labeling, and hygiene products, where stretchability and durability are key.

Besides this, the epoxy adhesives are known for their high strength, resistance to extreme conditions, and excellent bonding to diverse materials. They are essential in aerospace, electronics, and automotive sectors for structural and specialized applications.

Furthermore, EVA (Ethylene Vinyl Acetate) adhesives are thermoplastic, providing fast-setting and strong bonding properties. These adhesives are commonly applied in packaging, furniture, and footwear industries because of their cost-effectiveness and user-friendly nature.

Apart from this, the others category includes niche adhesives like cyanoacrylates, silicone, and rubber-based adhesives. They serve specialized purposes in industries like medical, electronics, and consumer goods, offering tailored performance characteristics.

Analysis by Sealant Type:

• Acrylic
• Silicone
• Polyurethane
• Butyl
• Others

Acrylic sealants are cost-effective and versatile, offering excellent adhesion and resistance to UV light and weathering. They are commonly used in construction for sealing gaps in windows, doors, and walls, where durability and easy paintability are key requirements.

Silicone sealants are widely utilized in construction for sealing gaps in windows, doors, and walls, where durability and ease of painting are essential. Additionally, they offer exceptional flexibility, water resistance, and long-lasting performance across a broad temperature range. These sealants are extensively employed in the construction, automotive, and electronics sectors for sealing joints, waterproofing, and bonding materials subject to movement.

Similarly, polyurethane sealants are known for their strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals and abrasion. These sealants are ideal for construction and industrial applications, including sealing expansion joints, bonding materials, and providing waterproof and weather-resistant solutions.

Apart from this, the butyl sealants offer excellent adhesion, water resistance, and vapor barrier properties. They are often used in roofing, automotive, and glass industries for long-term sealing in environments exposed to moisture and temperature fluctuations.

However, the others category includes specialty sealants such as polysulfide, epoxy, and hybrid sealants. They cater to specific applications like aerospace, marine, and medical fields, offering tailored performance such as chemical resistance, structural bonding, and extreme durability.

Analysis by Technology:

• Water-Based
• Solvent-Based
• Hot Melt
• Reactive
• Others

Water-based adhesives and sealants, which use water as a solvent, are environmentally friendly due to their low VOC emissions. They are commonly used in packaging, paper, and construction industries because of their easy application, non-toxic nature, and minimal environmental impact.

In contrast, solvent-based adhesives contain organic solvents, offering strong bonding capabilities. These adhesives are used in automotive, footwear, and furniture industries, offering high-performance adhesion but often requiring proper ventilation due to VOC emissions.

Hot melt adhesives are thermoplastic materials that solidify as they cool. Known for their quick setting times, they are commonly used in packaging, labeling, and assembly applications. These adhesives are highly efficient, cost-effective, and suitable for high-speed production environments.

Besides this, the reactive adhesives undergo chemical reactions to form strong bonds once applied. Common in structural and automotive applications, they provide high durability and resistance to heat, moisture, and chemicals. These adhesives are used in demanding environments like aerospace and electronics.

Furthermore, the other’s category includes UV-curable and pressure-sensitive adhesives, each offering specialized applications such as medical devices, electronics, and industrial bonding. These technologies provide high precision, rapid curing, and flexibility for niche uses across various sectors.

Analysis by Application:

• Paperboard and Packaging
• Building and Construction
• Transportation
• Leather and Footwear
• Furniture
• Others

Paperboard and packaging applications are secured through adhesives, ensuring sealed, labeled, and bonded products. It is, therefore, of utmost importance to offer strength, durability, and moisture resistance to packaging materials, especially in food, consumer goods, and logistic industries, hence allowing easy handling and protection of products.

With this in mind, the construction, adhesives, and sealants play a very important role in bonding materials such as tiles, flooring, and windows, while sealants provide weather resistance. They improve structural integrity, reduce maintenance, and support energy-efficient construction, including insulation and waterproofing, making them essential for modern building practices.

Likewise, adhesives and sealants in transportation applications are very essential for bonding various components of a vehicle such as body panels, windows, and interiors. The products reduce the weight of vehicles and enhance their performance, improve safety, and also provide thermal and noise insulation. They cater to the increasing demand for electric vehicles by offering lightweight and energy-efficient designs.

Moreover, leather and footwear industries use adhesives to assemble shoes, bags, and other leather products. They offer flexibility, durability, and strong bonding; therefore, they can resist stress and ensure the structural integrity of products. There is an increased adoption of eco-friendly and water-based adhesives that follow sustainable production practices.

Another crucial component of furniture manufacturing is adhesives and sealants. These products are capable of providing strong, durable bonds for wood, metal, and plastic components. These products improve aesthetic finishes and structural strength, thus making them essential in the production of household, office, and outdoor furniture.

This, in turn, brings another category: different applications of the materials like electronics, medical devices, and automotive assembly. Here, adhesives and sealants serve specific purposes: accurate bonding, insulation, and protective coatings. In specific niches with performance-based industries like aerospace, renewable energy, and fragile packaging goods, it applies to various markets.

Regional Analysis:

• Kanto Region
• Kansai/Kinki Region
• Central/ Chubu Region
• Kyushu-Okinawa Region
• Tohoku Region
• Chugoku Region
• Hokkaido Region
• Shikoku Region

The Kanto Region, which includes Tokyo, serves as Japan's economic center, fueling the demand for adhesives and sealants. With a large industrial base, including automotive, electronics, and construction sectors, the region plays a critical role in the market, fueled by innovation and infrastructure development.

In addition to the above, manufacturing strength in Kansai, consisting of Osaka and Kyoto, excels in areas such as the automotive, chemical, and machinery industries. Regional focus on high-tech industries plus the on-going urban redevelopment activities give rise to requirements for advanced adhesives and sealants. These are expected to be strong in construction, electronics, and others.

However, the Chubu, with its cities such as Nagoya, is the automotive capital of Japan and a significant source of automotive parts. The region also leads in manufacturing chemicals and machinery, significantly contributing to demand in construction, automotive, and packaging sectors.

Likewise, Kyushu and Okinawa are now significant to Japan for their renewable energy, automotive, and electronics industries. As the infrastructure projects increase and concentrate on green energy, demand is going up for green adhesives and sealants in the construction and automotive sectors.

Besides this, strong industrial sectors across the Tohoku Region bring about huge-scale infrastructure rebuilding projects, especially during natural disasters and their aftermaths. Such operations require high-performing adhesives and sealants in terms of construction, manufacturing, especially in the view of durability and resilience related to earthquake-proof structures.

Additionally, Chugoku, located in western Japan, is renowned for its agricultural and industrial production. The adhesives and sealants market is growing in this region because of the increased demand in the automotive, packaging, and construction sectors, focusing on sustainable and cost-effective solutions.

Furthermore, Hokkaido, the northernmost region of Japan, has a high demand for adhesives in the construction sector because of extreme weather conditions. The region's focus on infrastructure development, especially for housing and transportation, increases the demand for weather-resistant and energy-efficient sealants and adhesives.

Along with this, Shikoku is also a small but growing manufacturing base, with demand for adhesives and sealants in electronics, packaging, and construction. Sustainability and eco-friendly solutions are driving innovation in adhesive technologies, with an emphasis on water-based and bio-based formulations.

Competitive Landscape:

The competitive landscape is shaped by well-established domestic companies alongside a growing presence of multinational corporations. Being highly innovative in nature, the Japanese adhesives and sealants market is an outcome of extensive R&D on a continuous basis to cater to the stringent requirements from industries such as automotive, electronics, and construction. Key competitors engage in developing the most advanced formulation, which in turn is represented by the environmentally friendly, solvent-free, and high-performance products. More specific applications in electric vehicles and smart devices further push competition. Manufacturers are also living up to Japanese environmental regulations by using bio-based materials and recyclable packaging. Strategic partnerships, expansions, and technological advancements facilitate the competitive edge, making it a dynamic environment in Japan adhesives and sealants market share.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the Japan adhesives and sealants market with detailed profiles of all major companies.

Latest News and Developments:

• In December 2024, Mitsui Chemicals Group will showcase innovative semiconductor technologies at SEMICON® JAPAN 2024, December 11–13. Highlights include ICROS™ Tape, MITSUI PELLICLE™, packaging solutions, fluorine alternatives, special monomers, Materials Informatics (MI), and environmental initiatives, aligning with the semiconductor roadmap.
• In November 2024, Specialty chemicals distributor Bodo Möller Chemie GmbH expanded into Japan with the establishment of Bodo Moeller Chemie Japan K.K. on August 23, 2024. Operating from a Tokyo sales office with a warehouse in Nagoya, the company aims to serve Japan's strong manufacturing sectors, including automotive, EV batteries, electronics, and aerospace. This strategic initiative strengthens its presence in the Asian market and supports its overall global growth objectives.
• In November 2024, Nippon Paint Holdings plans to acquire US resin producer AOC for $2.3 billion from Lone Star, with the deal expected to close in the first half of 2025. AOC, operating 14 plants globally, specializes in resins and CASE systems. Nippon Paint, with €8.7 billion revenue primarily from decorative paints, will integrate AOC into its Adjacencies Business segment, bolstering its adhesives and sealants portfolio.
• In April 2024, Shin-Etsu Chemical Co., Ltd. acquired Setex Technologies' biomimicry-based dry adhesive technology, ShineGrip™, to expand into new markets. Utilizing a gecko-inspired structure, this innovative technology offers strong friction and adhesion without chemical adhesives. Shin-Etsu will focus on corporate applications, combining Setex's technology with its material expertise to target diverse fields, while Setex continues in the consumer market. This collaboration marks a step forward in advanced adhesive solutions.
• In February 2024, Nippon Paint Holdings' subsidiary, DuluxGroup, acquired 51% of N.P.T. s.r.l., an Italy-based sealants and adhesives manufacturer, through DGL International (UK) Ltd. The acquisition includes agreements for DuluxGroup to purchase the remaining 49% over time. The deal, finalized on February 3, 2023, follows approval from Nippon Paint Holdings' Board of Directors in December 2022, marking a strategic expansion into the European market.

Japan Adhesives And Sealants Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Japan adhesives and sealants market from 2019-2033.
• The research study provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Japan adhesives and sealants market.
• Porter's Five Forces analysis assists stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Japan adhesives and sealants industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.