The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) is Japan's primary stock exchange, with a rich history dating back to 1878. It's one of the oldest stock exchanges in the world.
The TSE is home to over 2,300 listed companies, including some of Japan's largest and most well-known brands. These companies are divided into two main sections: the First Section and the Second Section, with the First Section being the more prestigious of the two.
The TSE is a major player in the global financial market, with a market capitalization of over $6 trillion. This makes it one of the largest stock exchanges in the world, rivaling those in New York and London.
Broaden your view: Irish Section 110 Special Purpose Vehicle
Stock Exchange Basics
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) is the largest stock exchange in Japan, headquartered in Tokyo.
It was established on May 15, 1878, and has been running for over 140 years. The TSE is run by the Japan Exchange Group and is home to some of Japan's biggest companies, including Toyota, Honda, and Mitsubishi.
Related reading: TV Tokyo Holdings
The TSE has a large number of listed companies, with 3,784 as of September 2021. This is a significant number, and it's a testament to the exchange's importance in the Japanese economy.
One of the key features of the TSE is its ability to offer specific trading information, real-time and historical index quotes, market statistics, and information about specialists. This makes it a valuable resource for investors and traders.
The TSE has had its ups and downs over the years. At its peak in December 1989, the Nikkei 225 index reached a record high of 38,916. However, the Japanese economy struggled with a recessionary environment, and the Nikkei plunged in value over the next two decades.
Here are the top 5 largest stocks by market capitalization listed on the TSE as of July 2021:
- Toyota Motor Corporation (¥319,936)
- Keyence Corporation (¥147,724)
- Sony Group Corporation (¥143,445)
- SoftBank Group Corp. (¥117,798)
- Recruit Holdings Co. (¥95,465)
Interestingly, some of the TSE's first customers were former samurai, who needed a market to trade bonds that had been issued to them by the government.
History
The Tokyo Stock Exchange has a rich history dating back to May 15, 1878, when it was established as the Tokyo Kabushiki Torihikijo under the direction of then-Finance Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu and capitalist advocate Shibusawa Eiichi.
Trading began just a month later, on June 1, 1878, marking the start of a long and eventful journey for the exchange.
The Tokyo Stock Exchange underwent a significant restructuring in 2001, transforming from an incorporated association to a kabushiki gaisha, or stock company.
This change allowed the exchange to operate more efficiently and effectively, paving the way for future growth and development.
In 2006, the exchange faced a major challenge with the "livedoor shock", a sudden and severe drop in stock prices caused by a raid on internet company livedoor, which led to a 2.8% decline in the Nikkei 225 index on January 17, 2006.
Suggestion: Employment Equality (Age) Regulations 2006
History
The Tokyo Stock Exchange has a rich history that spans over 140 years. It was established on May 15, 1878, under the direction of then-Finance Minister Ōkuma Shigenobu and capitalist advocate Shibusawa Eiichi.
Trading began just a few weeks later on June 1, 1878. This marked the beginning of a new era in Tokyo's financial landscape.
The TSE restructured itself in 2001, changing from an incorporated association to a kabushiki gaisha, or stock company. This change allowed it to operate more efficiently.
In 2006, the Nikkei 225 experienced a significant drop of 2.8% after prosecutors raided internet company livedoor, leading to a phenomenon known as the "livedoor shock".
Postwar
The Tokyo Stock Exchange has a fascinating history, especially after the war. The TSE reopened on May 16, 1949, under its current Japanese name, following the Securities Exchange Act.
The exchange has undergone significant changes over the years. The current TSE building was opened in 1988, replacing the original 1931 building. This marked a new era for the exchange.
A major shift occurred in 1999 when the trading floor was closed to switch to electronic trading. This change aimed to improve efficiency and accuracy.

The TSE continued to evolve with the introduction of new facilities, such as TSE Arrows in 2000. In 2010, the exchange launched its Arrowhead trading facility.
The TSE has also collaborated with other exchanges, like the London Stock Exchange, to develop joint products and share technology. This partnership is part of the growing trend of international cooperation among bourses.
Here are some key dates in the TSE's postwar history:
- May 16, 1949: The TSE reopens under its current Japanese name.
- May 23, 1988: The current TSE building is opened.
- April 30, 1999: The trading floor is closed to switch to electronic trading.
- May 9, 2000: TSE Arrows is opened.
- 2010: The TSE launches its Arrowhead trading facility.
TSE Operations
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) operates with a unique set of rules and procedures. Trading hours are from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with a 15-minute morning session and a 30-minute afternoon session.
TSE uses an electronic trading system, allowing for fast and efficient trades. The TSE also has a robust surveillance system to monitor market activity and detect any potential irregularities.
The TSE has a comprehensive set of rules and regulations to ensure fair and orderly trading.
Largest Stocks
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) is home to some of the world's most recognizable corporate names, particularly in electronics and automobiles.
The largest five companies listed on the exchange by market capitalization are a testament to the TSE's significance and influence in the global economy.
Toyota Motor Corporation, with a market capitalization of ¥319,936 (or 3.19936 trillion Japanese yen), is the largest stock listed on the TSE.
SoftBank Group Corporation, Keyence Corporation, Sony Corporation, and Fast Retailing Co., Ltd. round out the top five, with market capitalizations of ¥117,798, ¥147,724, ¥143,445, and ¥95,465 respectively.
Here is a breakdown of the five largest stocks listed on the TSE:
These companies are not only significant in terms of market capitalization but also contribute to the TSE's rich history, dating back to 1878 when it first opened its doors to former samurai seeking a market to trade government-issued bonds.
Valuation
In the world of finance, valuation is a crucial aspect of evaluating a company's worth. This involves looking at various metrics to determine whether a stock is overvalued, undervalued, or fairly priced.
One key metric is Price/Earnings (Normalized), which measures a company's stock price relative to its earnings. For example, S&P Global Inc (SPGI) has a Price/Earnings (Normalized) ratio of 26.61, while Intercontinental Exchange Inc (ICE) has a ratio of 36.90.
Another important metric is Price/Book Value, which compares a company's stock price to its book value. For instance, London Stock Exchange Group PLC (LDNXF) has a Price/Book Value ratio of 2.75.
Here's a breakdown of the valuation metrics for the companies mentioned:
These metrics provide a snapshot of each company's valuation, but it's essential to consider other factors, such as growth prospects and industry trends, to make a more informed investment decision.
Investing in TSE
Investing in TSE can be done in several ways. To directly buy and sell securities on the TSE, you must be a citizen of Japan or a permanent resident with the proper certification.
You can also invest in large TSE companies as American Depositary Receipts (ADRs), which are traded on U.S. exchanges. This is a convenient option for those who don't meet the TSE's citizenship requirements.
Another way to invest in the Japanese stock market is through exchange-traded funds that track the TSE's various indices, such as the JPX-Nikkei index or the TOPIX index, which is a broader market cap-weighted index.
You might enjoy: How Much Do Angel Investors Invest
Tse Listing Requirements
To get listed on the Tehran Stock Exchange (TSE), companies must meet specific requirements. These requirements vary depending on the section of the exchange.
Companies listed in the First Section have the most stringent requirements. To be eligible, they must have at least 800 shareholders.
In addition to a large shareholder base, First Section companies must also have a significant number of tradable shares. Specifically, they must have at least 20,000 tradable shares.
Another key requirement is market capitalization. First Section companies must have a market capitalization of approximately $225 million or more.
Tradeable shares must also make up at least 35% of the listed stocks. This ensures that a significant portion of the company's shares are available for trading.
First Section companies must also have a proven track record of operations. They must have been in business for at least three years.
In terms of financial performance, First Section companies must demonstrate strong sales and profits. They must have at least $100 million in sales for the last year and at least approximately $20 million in profits over the last two years.
Take a look at this: Ohio E Check Years

Here are the key requirements for First Section companies in a concise list:
- 800 or more shareholders
- 20,000 or more tradable shares
- Market capitalization of approximately $225 million or more
- Tradeable shares at least 35% of the listed stocks
- At least three years of operations
- At least $100 million in sales for the last year
- At least approximately $20 million in profits over the last two years
Invest in TSE
To invest in the TSE, you'll need to demonstrate that you're either a citizen of Japan or a permanent resident, which will allow you to open an account at a Japanese brokerage.
Investors who don't meet these requirements can still gain exposure to the Japanese market through American Depositary Receipts (ADRs) of large TSE companies, which are traded on U.S. exchanges.
Another option is to invest in exchange-traded funds that track indices based on the TSE, such as the JPX-Nikkei index, which includes 400 large companies.
The JPX-Nikkei index is a popular choice, but there are other options like the Nikkei mid and small cap index, which focuses on smaller TSE listed companies.
If you're looking for an even broader index, the TOPIX is a market cap-weighted index calculated from all the stocks on the TSE First Section of large companies.
Suggestion: Large Value Transfer System
TSE News and Trends
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) has merged with the Osaka Securities Exchange, forming the world's No. 3 bourse by listed companies.
This merger has added 1,100 stocks to the TSE, increasing the number of listed companies to 3,423. The TSE now has 1,760 first-section stocks, up from 1,722.
The merger will save the Japanese bourses about $70 million a year in costs.
Bulls vs. Bears
In the world of finance, you'll often hear people talking about bulls and bears. But what do these terms actually mean? Bulls are essentially optimistic investors who think the market will keep rising, while bears are pessimistic investors who think it will fall.
JPX, or Japan Exchange Group, is a key player in the Japanese market, and its influence can't be ignored. It's a vertically integrated exchange with an effective monopoly to Japan, the world’s third-largest economy.
For more insights, see: Think Mutual Bank
Japan Exchange Earnings: Yen Depreciation Feeds Cost Inflation
Japan Exchange Earnings are showing a strong trend, with a 9% growth in operating revenue in the December quarter compared to the same period last year.
This growth is largely due to the increase in listing activity, particularly in ETFs.
The yen depreciation is also having a significant impact, feeding through to cost inflation and affecting the fair value estimate of Japan Exchange Group.
We've seen a raise in the fair value estimate for Japan Exchange Group to JPY 1,410 per share, from JPY 1,390 previously.
This increase reflects the company's strong performance and its ability to adapt to changes in the market.
Take a look at this: Institutional Brokers' Estimate System
TSE Mergers and Criticism
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) has been criticized for becoming too large and complicated compared to other global exchanges. The TSE consists of five sections, including the main markets, Mothers, Jasdaq, and Tokyo Pro Market, each with its own listing requirements.
The TSE has a total of 2,190 companies listed in its first section alone, almost double the level from 1990. The TSE is planning to reform and simplify its criteria, reducing the number of sections to three: Prime, Standard, and Growth. This change aims to increase market cap requirements and reduce the number of companies listed in the top tier.
The TSE has also merged with the Osaka Securities Exchange, adding 1,100 stocks and increasing its total number of listed companies to 3,423. This merger has made the TSE the world's third-biggest bourse by listed companies, with 1,760 first-section stocks and a 47% increase in companies.
Explore further: Tokyo Electric Power Company
Special Tse Considerations

The TSE has had its fair share of notable events, one of which was the historic boom in the Japanese economy during the second half of the 1980s, where stock prices more than tripled.
This boom was fueled by rising exports and low interest rates, which financed skyrocketing values, especially for land, which was often used to leverage stock market investments.
At its peak, the TSE was the world's biggest by market capitalization, a title it held before the bubble burst in 1990.
By summer of 1992, losses by investors in the Japanese stock market had totaled $2 trillion.
Broaden your view: The Tech Boom
Exchange Merges with Osaka to Form No. 3 Bourse
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) has merged with the Osaka Securities Exchange to form the world's No. 3 bourse by listed companies. This significant move adds 1,100 stocks from the Osaka Securities Exchange to the TSE.
The merger has resulted in a 47% increase in companies listed on the TSE, bringing the total to 3,423. This makes the TSE the world's No. 3 bourse by listings, surpassing its previous ranking of seventh.
Intriguing read: The World's Billionaires 2010

The TSE's first-section stocks have increased by 38 to 1,760, with the added companies set to join the Topix index in phases starting on August 30. This expansion is expected to enhance the TSE's global presence and liquidity.
Only the Bombay Stock Exchange and Canadian markets operated by TMX Group Ltd have more members, with 5,230 and 3,971, respectively. The merger is expected to save the Japanese bourses about $70 million a year in costs.
The integration of the two bourses' clearing operations has also enabled some investors to trade futures and options with smaller margin deposits by combining two accounts. This development is set to be completed by mid-March.
Criticism of the
The Tokyo Stock Exchange (TSE) has been criticized for being too large and complicated compared to other global exchanges.
Some market participants have complained that the TSE has become unwieldy over the years. The TSE consists of five sections, which can make it difficult for investors to navigate.
The first section lists Japan's biggest companies, while the second section lists medium-sized companies. These two sections combined are called the "main markets."
The TSE also has two sections dedicated to startups, called the "Mothers" and the Jasdaq, which is further separated into standard and growth sub-sections. The final section is the Tokyo Pro Market, which is for professional investors only.
As of September 14, 2021, the first section alone included about 2,190 companies, almost double the level from 1990. This is a significant increase that has contributed to the TSE's complexity.
A plan to reform the TSE includes simplifying the criteria separating the sections and reducing the number of sections to three—Prime, Standard, and Growth.
Here's a breakdown of the current TSE sections:
- First Section: Lists Japan's biggest companies
- Second Section: Lists medium-sized companies
- Mothers: Dedicated to startups
- Jasdaq: Dedicated to startups, separated into standard and growth sub-sections
- Tokyo Pro Market: For professional investors only
TSE Overview
The Tokyo Stock Exchange, or TSE, is incorporated as a kabushiki gaisha, a type of joint-stock company, with a total of 23 officials including directors, auditors, and executive officers.
Its headquarters are located in the heart of Tokyo's largest financial district, where you'll find a bustling hub of activity.
The TSE is home to three main stock market indices: the Nikkei 225, TOPIX, and J30, which track the performance of top companies in Japan.
The TSE has a total of 104 participating securities companies, consisting of 94 domestic and 10 foreign firms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between the Tokyo Stock Exchange and the Nikkei?
The Tokyo Stock Exchange is the overall market, while the Nikkei is a specific index of 225 top-performing stocks within it. Understanding the difference between the two is key to grasping the Japanese stock market landscape.
Featured Images: pexels.com


