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Scandal-Plagued Japanese Minister Dead

Matsuoka's suicide is another blow to Abe government

By M. Morris, Newser Staff

Posted May 28, 2007 8:48 AM CDT

(Newser) – Facing questioning in an investigation of political contributions, the Japanese agriculture minister hanged himself at his Tokyo home today. Toshikatsu Matsuoka had refused calls to resign or explain reports of financial improprieties, but embattled PM Shinzo Abe had stood by him. Abe faces a serious challenge to his Liberal Democratic Party's majority in July parliamentary elections.

Abe "has a very hard election to win anyway," one expert told Bloomberg. "This isn't an easy thing to deal with and may cause a sense of panic among the LDP." The government would not confirm the suicide, the first by a postwar cabinet member, but local news outlets reported that Matsuoka left a note.

The coffin of Japan's Agriculture Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka is brought to a funeral hall for his wake in Tokyo, Monday, May 28, 2007. Matsuoka, 62, died Monday after hanging himself just hours before... (Associated Press)

Japanese people read newspaper extra edition reporting the death of Agriculture Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka near Yurakucho railway station in Tokyo Monday, May 28, 2007. Matsuoka died after reportedly... (Associated Press)

Newly-appointed Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka arrives at the prime minister's official residence in Tokyo for a press conference shortly after being named as Priime... (Associated Press)

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Scandal-Plagued Japanese Minister Dead

Matsuoka's suicide is another blow to Abe government

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Matsuoka's suicide is another blow to Abe government

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

suicide • Japan • Shinzo Abe • Toshikatsu Matsuoka • Liberal Democratic Party • election • scandal

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

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More Newser Stories

Japanese PM Refuses to Pack It In

After crushing defeat, Shinzo Abe holds on as political gridlock looms

Japanese PM Axes Minister, Clings to Job

Abe attempts to root out image of corruption as position remains tenuous

Japan Election Results Spell Big Trouble for PM

Party loses majority in upper house; Abe insists he won't resign

Pension Flub Could Doom Japanese PM

Government loses track of 64M checks, enraging voters

Defeat All but Certain for Japan's Aso, Ruling Party

Sunday election likely to end 54 years in power

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Newser By Users

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