Tue Sep 02 18:20:02 UTC 2025: **Summary:**

Suntory Holdings CEO Takeshi Niinami has resigned after a police investigation into his purchase of a supplement that may have contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, which is illegal in Japan. Niinami claims he was unaware the supplement was illegal and maintains his innocence. The investigation is linked to a man arrested in July in Fukuoka prefecture. Niinami will continue his role as chairman of the Keizai Doyukai business lobby.

**News Article:**

**Suntory CEO Resigns Amid Police Investigation Into Alleged Illegal Supplement Purchase**

**TOKYO** – Takeshi Niinami, the high-profile CEO of Suntory Holdings, has resigned from his position following a police investigation into his purchase of a supplement that may have violated Japan’s strict drug laws. The supplement allegedly contained THC, the psychoactive component of cannabis, which is illegal in the country.

Niinami, a prominent figure in the Japanese business community and advisor to multiple prime ministers, claims he was unaware the supplement was illegal. “I was not aware that it was an illegal supplement. I am innocent,” he stated to the Asahi newspaper. He cited a need for company unity as a key factor in his decision to step down.

Suntory President Nobuhiro Torii expressed regret over Niinami’s departure, praising his leadership and decisiveness.

The investigation is reportedly linked to a man arrested in July in Fukuoka prefecture. According to the Tokyo Shimbun daily, police in Fukuoka prefecture were investigating whether supplements containing cannabis components had been sent to Niinami’s home, and that police questioned Niinami and searched his Tokyo home, but no illegal drug possession or use has been confirmed. While THC is illegal, CBD, another chemical compound found in cannabis, is legal in Japan.

Niinami, who significantly expanded Suntory’s revenue and profits after joining the company in 2014, will remain chairman of the Keizai Doyukai business lobby. He is expected to address the details of his resignation at a press conference.

Japan has stringent drug laws, with previous cases of executives facing consequences for alleged drug-related offenses.

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