Former Suntory Chairman Steps Down Amid Supplement Investigation

Takeshi Niinami, the former chairman of Suntory Holdings Ltd., announced his intention to step down from his position as head of a prominent business organization. He maintained his innocence regarding the purchase of a dietary supplement, despite the controversy surrounding the matter.

Niinami, aged 66, addressed the situation at a press conference as the head of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives. He stated that he had not violated any laws. He acknowledged that his actions had caused trouble and offered an apology.

Senior Vice Chairman Mutsuo Iwai, also the chairman of Japan Tobacco Inc., will assume the role of acting chair of the business body. The association will determine whether to remove Niinami from his position by the end of the month. Niinami also indicated that he would leave it to the government to decide whether he should remain on a key council on economic and fiscal policy.

The investigation centers on Niinami's alleged purchase of an illegal supplement. He explained that he had purchased a cannabidiol supplement in the United States, recommended by an acquaintance, to help with jet lag. Cannabidiol, or CBD, is a compound found in cannabis that is legal in Japan under specific conditions.

Investigative sources revealed that police searched Niinami's residence and other locations on August 22. This action was based on information from customs authorities concerning the import of tetrahydrocannabinol, a substance likely illegal in Japan if exceeding a certain percentage. While no illegal drugs were found during the search, Niinami has been questioned to determine his knowledge of the substance's legality and whether a criminal case should be pursued. The substance, containing a high percentage of a cannabis derivative, was allegedly shipped from the United States by an acquaintance of Niinami.

Niinami, a Harvard Business School graduate, previously served as president of Lawson Inc. and later became the first Suntory Holdings president from outside the founding family in 2014.