Suntory Holdings, a leading Japanese beverage company, has announced the resignation of its chairman, Takeshi Niinami. This decision comes in light of an ongoing police investigation related to the purchase of dietary supplements. Although the legality of the supplements is still under scrutiny, the company determined that Niinami could not continue in his role as chairman during this period.
On August 22, Suntory received a report about the police investigation, which prompted Niinami to express his desire to resign for personal reasons. His resignation was officially accepted on September 1.
Niinami stated that he believed the supplements he purchased were legal, but the investigation has raised questions about their compliance with Japanese law. According to sources close to the investigation, there are allegations that products containing cannabis components were sent to Niinami from an acquaintance living abroad. The Fukuoka Prefectural Police conducted a search of Niinami’s residence in Tokyo on August 22 under suspicion of violating Japan’s narcotics control laws.
Reports suggest that the products in question may contain THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), a psychoactive compound found in cannabis, which is regulated in Japan. The police are carefully examining whether Niinami was aware of these regulations.
The resignation of such a prominent figure in Japan’s business community has sent shockwaves through the economic sector, highlighting the serious implications of legal scrutiny for corporate leaders.
For further details, a full recording of the Suntory Holdings press conference is available at the end of this article.
Source: www3.nhk.or.jp