Japan business leader in 'supplement' probe says he's innocent

A Japanese business leader under investigation for allegedly purchasing an illegal supplement says he believes he is innocent. Niinami Takeshi, the chairperson of the Japan Association of Corporate Executives, made the comments on Wednesday following revelations of the police probe.

As a result of the investigation, Japanese beverage maker Suntory Holdings announced a day earlier that Niinami had resigned as chairman and CEO. Niinami said he will fully cooperate with the investigation. He added that he will refrain from activities in the Japan Association of Corporate Executives for the time being and Senior Vice Chairperson Iwai Mutsuo will act on his behalf.