Shinjiro Torii was a prominent Japanese entrepreneur and the founder of Torii Shoten, which later became known as Suntory. Born in 1893, he played a crucial role in the development of the Japanese beverage industry, particularly in the production of whiskey. Torii's vision was to create high-quality spirits that could compete on a global scale. In 1923, he established the first Japanese malt whiskey distillery, Yamazaki Distillery, near Osaka. Under his leadership, Suntory grew into one of Japan's largest beverage companies, known for its innovative products and commitment to quality. Torii's legacy continues to influence the industry today.