Japan’s century-old Fujikura rides AI data centre boom to become Nikkei standout

Summary
Companies
Shares in optical fibre maker up 160% since start of 2025
Founded in 1885, Fujikura started out making silk and insulated wires
Investors looking for next batch of winners in AI supply chain
TOKYO, Oct 24 (Reuters) – Japan’s Fujikura (5803.T), opens new tab has become a standout in the red-hot Nikkei share gauge on expectations the century-old wire maker will benefit from increased investment in artificial intelligence data centres that use its optical fibres.
The firm got another leg up this week, rising 6% after Sanae Takaichi was elected prime minister following pledges of targeted investment in AI and other key industries.
Sign up here.
Since the start of 2025, shares in Fujikura are up more than 160%, outpacing the Nikkei’s (.N225), opens new tab 22% advance to an all-time high. Its market value of about $33 billion now rivals that of better-known Japanese manufacturers such as air-conditioning maker Daikin (6367.T), opens new tab and construction equipment manufacturer Komatsu (6301.T), opens new tab.
Ups and downs in global equities have been increasingly tied to the fortunes of the so-called