Toshikatsu Matsuoka

Toshikatsu Matsuoka (Japanese松冈 利 胜, Matsuoka Toshikatsu; born February 25, 1945 in Aso, Kumamoto Prefecture, † 28 May, 2007 Tokyo ) was a Japanese politician.

Political career

In 1969 he finished his studies in agricultural science at Tottori University and worked from 1969 to 1988 in various positions in the Ministry of Agriculture. Since 1990, Matsuoka was a member of the House and was a member of the LDP before he became Minister of Agriculture in September 2006.

Allegations of fraud and suicide

Matsuoka was acting Minister of Agriculture under Prime Minister Abe. He was involved in several financial scandals. He was alleged to have converted more than € 178,000 (28 million yen) listed fees for his office, although he used a parliamentary office, which stood him rent-free. He also apologized to three days after taking office for undisclosed political donations amounting to about 6400 €.

On 28 May 2007, he committed suicide by hanging, only a few hours before he had to be interviewed by the parliamentary committee on the charges against him. Counter Matsuoka calls for his resignation had already been collected, while at the same time the Abe government saw a massive popularity fading over.

He was succeeded by Norihiko Akagi, who resigned later for a similar financial scandal.