Top Bank of Japan Executive Kills Self

A top executive of Japan’s scandal-plagued central bank hanged himself today, the fourth in a recent series of suicides by government bureaucrats, police said.

Bank of Japan Chief Director Takayuki Kamoshida, 58, was found by his wife around 3 a.m. hanging from a cord in an apartment.

Kamoshida was in charge of efforts to root out corruption at the bank and to punish employees involved in bribery scandals, national broadcaster NHK said.

“I’m tired. I’m at the limit,” read a note found in the apartment.

Kamoshida was not reported to be a target of any corruption investigation.

Central bank officials were not immediately available for comment.

He is the fourth official this year to commit suicide amid a widening investigation into the activities of Japanese officials. The Japanese have a tradition of using suicide as a way to take responsibility for--or escape from--disgrace or failure.

Last month, the bank punished 98 employees who were found to have been wined and dined by financial institutions.