Takeshi Niinami, the chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings, has resigned following allegations concerning his purchase of products containing THC, the psychoactive compound found in cannabis. The announcement was confirmed by the company on September 1, 2023, marking a significant event for one of Japan’s most prominent business figures.
Niami, aged 66, stated that he believed the supplements he acquired were legal. His resignation comes after police conducted a search of his Tokyo residence due to suspicions that he received cannabis-derived products from an acquaintance abroad. Japanese public broadcaster NHK reported that investigators are looking into whether Niinami was aware of the strict regulations surrounding THC in Japan.
The legal framework in Japan prohibits the possession, sale, or import of THC-containing substances. Possession alone can lead to a prison sentence of up to seven years, while trafficking carries even harsher penalties. The country does not distinguish between recreational and medicinal use of cannabis, underscoring the seriousness of the allegations against Niinami.
On August 22, 2023, Niinami informed his colleagues at Suntory that he was under police investigation. At a press conference, Suntory President Nobuhiro Torii and Vice President Kenji Yamada confirmed that Niinami had offered to resign for personal reasons following the investigation. The company accepted his resignation effective immediately.
Prior to his departure, Niinami had been a key figure in corporate Japan, frequently representing the industry in various forums and on media platforms, including CNN. He was known for his outspoken views and served as an economic adviser to several Japanese prime ministers. Before taking the helm at Suntory, he was the chief executive of Lawson, a prominent convenience store chain, making history as the first outsider to lead the family-founded beverage giant.
Suntory is renowned for its diverse product range, including beverages such as beer, whisky, and energy drinks. The company gained additional recognition through its portrayal in the 2003 film “Lost in Translation,” where Bill Murray starred as an actor promoting Suntory’s whisky in Tokyo.
Following Niinami’s resignation, Nobuhiro Torii has taken over the leadership of Suntory, returning the control of the company to its founding family. The situation highlights the ongoing scrutiny faced by public figures in Japan, especially concerning drug-related issues, which remain a sensitive topic in the country.
As the investigation progresses, both Suntory and the Fukuoka Prefectural Police have been approached for further comments. The outcome could have significant implications not only for Niinami’s legacy but also for corporate governance in Japan as a whole.
