Resignation of Suntory CEO
The chairman and CEO of Suntory Holdings, Takeshi Niinami, has resigned after claiming that he bought products with THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis. This was confirmed by the company on Tuesday.
Background of the Incident
Niinami, 66, one of the most prominent managing directors of Japan, stated that he believes the additions he bought are legal. He often served as the face of the company in Japan and appeared on CNN. Investigators had previously searched Niinami’s house in Tokyo, suspecting that he had received products with cannabis fabric notes from a friend overseas.
Investigation Details
The police believe that the objects may have contained THC and are examining whether Niinami knew that the substance is strictly regulated in Japan. Niinami informed colleagues on August 22 that he was being examined. On September 1, Niinami offered to resign, citing personal reasons, and the company effectively accepted his resignation on the same day.
Circumstances of the Resignation
Niinami had informed the company that the investigation affected the supplementary materials that he had bought, assuming they were legal. The company’s President, Nobuhiro Torii, and Vice President, Kenji Yamada, addressed the issue in a press conference on Tuesday.
About Suntory
Suntory is one of Japan’s most famous beverage brands, selling beer, whiskey, sports, and energy drinks. The company’s whiskey was featured in Sophia Coppolla’s 2003 film "Lost in Translation," where Oscar-nominated Bill Murray played an over-the-hill US actor who became friends with a lonely young woman during a trip to Tokyo to promote the company’s whiskey.
Laws Regarding THC in Japan
The possession, sale, or import of substances containing THC is strictly prohibited in Japan. Violations can lead to a prison sentence of up to seven years, while trade or smuggling carries harsh punishments. Japan distinguishes no difference between the leisure and medical use of cannabis.
Niinami’s Career
Niinami has long been a top-class figure in business and politics, serving as an economic advisor to several Japanese prime ministers. Before joining Suntory, he was the managing director of the Convenience Store Chain Lawson and was the first outsider to head the family giants.
Recent Developments in Suntory
In December, Suntory’s Torii was promoted to president, and control of the Japanese whiskey giant was returned to its founding family. Niinami stayed in his roles as chairman and CEO until his recent resignation.
