Cabinet official in scandal kills self

Japan’s agricultural minister killed himself amid a scandal over the use of official funds, media reports said today.

Toshikatsu Matsuoka, 62, was found unconscious in his room in central Tokyo, and rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors were unable to revive him, broadcaster NHK reported. He had faced criticism over suspicious bookkeeping practices involving utility fees for his offices.

The scandal has put pressure on Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has defended his minister.

Support for Abe’s government has fallen to its lowest level since he took office last year.