Summary
Suntory Holdings CEO Takeshi Niinami resigned after a police investigation into his purchase of a supplement that may be illegal in Japan. The supplement is believed to contain THC, a psychoactive component of cannabis, which is against Japanese law. Niinami claimed he thought the supplement was legal at the time of purchase.
Key Facts
- Takeshi Niinami resigned as CEO of Suntory Holdings after a police probe.
- The investigation concerns his purchase of a potentially illegal supplement with THC.
- Niinami asserted he believed the supplement was legal.
- THC, a component of cannabis, is illegal in Japan but CBD is not.
- Nobuhiro Torii, related to Suntory's founder, will now lead the company.
- Niinami was questioned, and his home was searched, but no illegal drug use was confirmed.
- Niinami expanded Suntory's business significantly since joining in 2014.
- He remains chairman of the Keizai Doyukai business lobby.
