President of Suntory an Architect of Change
Mr. Takeshi Niinami, a member of the Council on Economic and Fiscal Policy as senior economic adviser to the Prime Minister of Japan, and President of the Japanese food and beverages group Suntory Holdings Ltd., gave a presentation in Toronto on Oct. 19 as part of the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada’s Japan Today: Architects of Change Speaker Series. Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama was in attendance, along with the Hon. Charles Sousa, Ontario’s Minister of Finance.
Minister Sousa said in his remarks that he had recently visited Japan, and was greatly impressed by its economy.
Mr. Niinami not only spoke on Suntory, but also gave his overview of the Japanese economy, including his views on necessary regulatory reforms and innovations.
Consul-General Nakayama said, "At a time when Japan faces both great opportunities and challenges, Mr. Niinami has been devoting much energy toward the introduction of innovative business models not only to the corporations he manages but also to the government.. He can be said as one of the true architects of change in Japan "
About 90 people were in the audience in this last of the speaker series which earlier this year also featured Sanryo Company Managing Director Reihito Hatoyama and the celebrated architect, Mr.Fumihiko Maki.
From left: Consul-General of Japan Yasunori Nakayama;
Asia Pacific Foundation (APF) of Canada Vice-President Kasi Rao; Ontario Minister of Finance Charles Sousa;
Suntory Holdings Ltd. President Takeshi Niinami; McMillian LLP's Japan Practice Group Co-chair Don Waters;
Mrs. Yuki Niinami; and APF Canada Director of Public Relations, Marketing & Policy Christine Nakamura.
(Photo courtesy of APF Canada)
