Japanese beverage giant Suntory chief resigns over alleged possession of marijuana-infused supplement
發佈日期: 2025-09-03 23:04
TVB News
The chief executive of Japanese beverage giant Suntory Takeshi Niinami resigned over alleged illegal drug possession.
Having wielded much clout in Japan's economic policies, Niinami has held a leadership position at a high-profile business lobby Japan Association of Corporate Executives.
He allegedly imported a marijuana-infused health supplement made in the U.S.
He asserted his innocence despite resigning from his position. "I have not broken the law. I believe I am innocent," Takeshi Niinami told reporters Wednesday.
Suntory Holdings President Nobuhiro Torii, a member of the company's founding family, held a news conference Tuesday to announce Niinami had resigned. Torii declined to give many details, saying the case was still under investigation. Police in Fukuoka, southwestern Japan, confirmed Niinami was being investigated in a possible drug case without giving further details.
Niinami assumed the supplement was "legal 100 percent" and he wanted to try the product, which was cheaper than versions sold in Japan, to help relieve jet lag from overseas trips.
"I want to apologize to society," Niinami, 66, said after bowing deeply. He noted Suntory makes supplements in addition to whisky, beer and non-alcoholic beverages, so his actions showed carelessness.
Niinami is credited with guiding strong growth at Suntory, which is founded in 1899.
