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Corporate Japan shaken as prominent Suntory chief steps down amid investigation into cannabis-linked supplements.
Takeshi Niinami, chairman and chief executive officer of Suntory Holdings, has resigned following a police investigation into allegations that he purchased supplements containing illegal substances, the company confirmed on Tuesday.
Niinami, 66, one of Japan’s most influential and outspoken business figures, has long been the face of corporate Japan, frequently appearing on global platforms such as CNN and serving as an economic adviser to several prime ministers. His sudden resignation marks a dramatic turn for a leader who, until recently, embodied Japan’s push for corporate reform and international engagement.
The controversy began after investigators searched Niinami’s Tokyo home, suspecting he had received products containing cannabis-derived substances from an acquaintance overseas. According to NHK, police believe the items may have contained THC — the psychoactive compound in marijuana strictly regulated under Japanese law.
At a press conference on Wednesday, Niinami defended himself, saying he had purchased over-the-counter CBD supplements in the United States for health reasons.
“I checked the ingredients and confirmed they were legal in Japan,” he told reporters.
CBD, or cannabidiol, is a compound derived from marijuana and hemp. Unlike marijuana, CBD products typically contain only trace amounts (up to 0.3%) of THC. However, Japanese law makes no distinction between recreational and medical cannabis, and the possession, import, or sale of any THC-containing substances carries severe penalties — including up to seven years in prison for possession alone.
Niinami explained that while he had purchased some supplements himself, another batch was sent to him unsolicited by an advisor’s brother. He insisted he had no knowledge of their contents.
“I myself have no recollection of taking any action that violated laws or regulations. However, I decided to resign voluntarily to avoid causing further trouble, in accordance with the company’s judgment,” Niinami said.
Suntory President Nobuhiro Torii and Vice President Kenji Yamada revealed that Niinami had informed colleagues of the police investigation on August 22. On September 1, he formally offered his resignation, citing personal reasons, and the company accepted it immediately.
Torii clarified that Niinami had told the company he believed the supplements he purchased were legal. Nonetheless, the reputational risks were too significant for one of Japan’s most recognizable brands.
Suntory, famous for its beer, whisky, sports, and energy drinks, is deeply woven into Japanese culture and global branding. The company even found a place in popular culture through Sofia Coppola’s 2003 film Lost in Translation, in which Bill Murray portrayed an American actor promoting Suntory whisky in Tokyo.
Niinami’s departure closes a significant chapter in Japanese corporate leadership. Before joining Suntory, he led convenience store chain Lawson, becoming the first outsider to head the family-founded beverage giant. His leadership was marked by efforts to expand Suntory’s global presence while also advising governments on economic strategy.
In December, Suntory promoted Nobuhiro Torii — a descendant of the founding family — to president, signaling a partial return to tradition while Niinami retained his dual role as chairman and CEO. His resignation now consolidates the family’s control over the company at a pivotal moment.
Japan maintains some of the strictest cannabis laws in the developed world. Possession, trafficking, or smuggling of THC-containing products is heavily penalized, with no exceptions for medical or wellness purposes. The investigation into Niinami highlights how even inadvertent connections to cannabis-derived substances can have serious consequences for public figures.
As police continue their inquiry, the scandal has not only shaken corporate Japan but also underscored the tension between evolving global wellness trends and Japan’s unwavering stance against cannabis.
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