Takeshi Niinami, the chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings, has resigned following allegations related to the purchase of products containing THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. The company confirmed his resignation on September 1, 2023, amid an ongoing police investigation into the matter.
Niinami, 66, has been a prominent figure in Japanese business, often representing corporate Japan in international media, including appearances on CNN. He stated that he believed the supplements he purchased were legal, but investigators have raised questions about his awareness of Japan’s strict regulations regarding cannabis-derived substances.
According to Japanese public broadcaster NHK, police had previously searched Niinami’s home in Tokyo as part of their investigation. Authorities suspect that he received products containing cannabis-based substances from an acquaintance abroad. The investigation is examining whether Niinami was aware that THC is tightly regulated in Japan, where possession can lead to severe penalties.
On August 22, Niinami informed his colleagues at Suntory of the police inquiry. Nobuhiro Torii, the president of Suntory, and Kenji Yamada, the vice president, addressed the media on September 1, announcing that Niinami had offered to step down for personal reasons, a resignation accepted by the company immediately.
Niinami clarified to the company that the investigation involved supplements he believed to be legal. The repercussions of this incident highlight the stringent laws in Japan regarding cannabis, where possession alone can result in prison sentences of up to seven years, with even harsher penalties for trafficking.
Suntory is widely recognized for its diverse range of beverages, including beer, whisky, and energy drinks. The company gained additional cultural recognition through its mention in Sofia Coppola’s acclaimed 2003 film, “Lost in Translation,” featuring Bill Murray as an aging actor in Tokyo to promote the company’s whisky.
Prior to his role at Suntory, Niinami was the chief executive of Lawson, a convenience store chain, marking a significant transition as he became the first outsider to lead the family-founded beverage giant. In December 2022, Suntory elevated Torii to the presidency, restoring control of the company to its founding family while Niinami retained his positions as chairman and CEO.
The resignation of such a high-profile executive raises questions about the implications for Suntory and its leadership moving forward, particularly as the investigation unfolds. As Niinami steps down, the company faces both reputational and operational challenges in navigating this controversy.