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警方突击搜查,饮料巨头三得利66岁董事长涉嫌获取违禁保健品,随即闪电辞职
Mei Ri Jing Ji Xin Wen·2025-09-02 14:44

Core Points - Suntory Holdings Group announced the resignation of its Chairman and CEO, Niinami Takeshi, due to his involvement in a police investigation related to suspected illegal substances [1][3] - The investigation centers around a supplement containing THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), which is illegal in Japan, and was reportedly gifted to Niinami by a friend from the U.S. [3][4] - Suntory stated that Niinami's actions indicated a lack of understanding regarding the legality of the supplement, leading to his inability to continue in a key representative role [3] Company Overview - Suntory Holdings was established in 1899 in Osaka, Japan, and has grown into a global food and beverage conglomerate with over 270 subsidiaries and more than 40,000 employees worldwide [4] - The company offers a diverse range of products, including alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic drinks, health foods, and operates in various sectors such as dining and floral businesses [4] - Niinami Takeshi had a significant background in corporate leadership, previously serving as Chairman of Lawson and holding positions at Mitsubishi Corporation before joining Suntory in 2014 [6] Legal Context - Japan's laws regarding cannabis and its psychoactive components, including THC, are strict, with severe penalties for possession, sale, or importation [4] - The revised Cannabis Control Law and Narcotics Control Law, effective December 2024, explicitly classify THC as a narcotic, highlighting the legal risks associated with such substances in Japan [4] Industry Impact - Niinami's resignation may have implications for Suntory's corporate governance and public perception, given his influential role in Japan's economic circles, including as the head of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives [6] - The incident raises concerns about compliance and risk management within the company, particularly in relation to product sourcing and employee conduct [3][4]