Japan Minister Hangs Self Amid Scandal

TOKYO -- A scandal-tainted Cabinet member who headed Japan's powerful agriculture ministry hanged himself just hours before he faced questioning Monday over alleged bookkeeping fraud.

The death of Toshikatsu Matsuoka dealt another blow to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's ailing government at a critical time before the leader's first big test at the polls in July.

An autopsy on Matsuoka, 62, showed he had hanged himself, according to a Tokyo Metropolitan Police official who spoke on condition of anonymity, citing policy. Matsuoka was found unconscious in his apartment shortly after noon on Monday and declared dead hours later. He became the first serving Cabinet member to kill himself since World War II.

Local media reports said Matsuoka hanged himself in his pajamas with a rope resembling a dog leash and had left multiple suicide notes, including ones addressed to Abe and the public, apologizing for his actions. Police refused to confirm details.

"I apologize for having created troubles. There is no excuse for my own ignorance and lack of virtue," the Yomiuri newspaper quoted one of the notes as saying Tuesday.

Matsuoka was criticized over a scandal involving suspicious bookkeeping practices and was scheduled to appear before a parliamentary committee Monday for questioning. He allegedly claimed more than $236,000 in utility fees even though he rented a parliamentary office where utility costs are free.

Matsuoka also faced separate scandals related to bid-rigging and political contributions, triggering calls for his resignation even from within his own ruling Liberal Democratic Party.

Abe had defended Matsuoka, however, saying the minister's funds were properly handled and his dismissal was not needed.

Abe has already been hit by the departure of one Cabinet official, Administrative Reform Minister Genichiro Sata, who was forced to resign in December over alleged misuse of political funds. Matsuoka's death also adds to the pressure on Abe ahead of July 22 elections for the upper house of parliament.

The Cabinet on Tuesday held its first meeting since Matsuoka's death. The ministers were expected to discuss how to handle government and parliamentary affairs in its aftermath, Kyodo News agency said.

"The effects on the Cabinet will be great," Abe told reporters before heading to Matsuoka's wake late Monday. "I feel deeply conscious of my responsibility as prime minister, and as the one who appointed him."

Matsuoka oversaw a powerful ministry in charge of some of the country's most controversial policies, including its whaling program, strict restrictions on U.S. beef imports over mad cow fears, and strong stance on lowering agricultural tariffs at trade negotiations.