Japan's Agriculture Minister Kills Himself

Toshikatsu Matsuoka has died in the hospital after reportedly committing suicide. The 62 year old was found hanged in his Tokyo apartment hours before he was to face questions in parliament over his links to a political funding scandal. Efforts to resuscitate him at the hospital failed. Officials said police were still investigating the cause of death. His resignation had been called for over unexplained expenses claimed for a rent-free office.