Niinami Maintains Innocence Amid Supplement Investigation

Takeshi Niinami, former chief of Suntory Holdings and chairman of Keizai Doyukai (Japan Association of Corporate Executives), addressed a news conference in Tokyo. He stated that a police investigation, which led to his resignation from Suntory, focused on a second package of an imported supplement. He maintained his innocence and expressed his desire to continue as chairman of the organization, leaving the decision to its internal processes.

Niinami explained that the first supplement package, purchased in the United States to combat jet lag, was sent to Japan but never reached him. He believed it was likely discarded by his family. He resigned from his position at Suntory after a police search of his home, prompted by suspicions of violating the Narcotics Control Law. Although nothing illegal was found, the company's board deemed his actions unbecoming of a leader.

He clarified that his carelessness in purchasing a CBD supplement led to the situation, and he apologized for the disruption caused. He purchased the supplement in the United States, believing it to be legal, as similar products from the same brand were sold in Japan. He had planned to bring the supplement back himself but was advised against it due to potential legal issues in transit.

An acquaintance in New York, who provided health advice, recommended the supplement and offered to arrange its delivery to his home. However, Niinami believes his family disposed of the package. The police investigation, he said, actually targeted a separate package shipped by the acquaintance to his younger brother in Fukuoka Prefecture.

Niinami emphasized that he neither possessed nor used the supplement in Japan and never instructed anyone to import it. He stated that he bought the supplement for health reasons, specifically to alleviate severe jet lag. He also mentioned that the supplement was more affordable in the United States. Keizai Doyukai's Deputy Chairman will temporarily assume the chairman's duties, and an ethics review committee will decide on Niinami's status later this month.