The downfall of former Suntory Holdings Chief Executive Officer Takeshi Niinami was as sudden as it was unexpected.
Niinami, among the most recognizable Japanese executives outside the country, had for years run the storied, family-controlled drinks maker, whose offerings include the Hibiki whiskey advertised by Bill Murray’s character in "Lost in Translation" with the famous, fictional slogan: "For relaxing times... make it Suntory time.”
Perhaps it was relaxing times that Niinami sought when he decided to import a supplement for his personal use containing cannabidiol, or CBD, into Japan — which landed him a visit from police, and swiftly cost him his job. Niinami says he’s done nothing wrong and he hasn’t been charged.
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