Japanese Banking Minister Tadahiro Matsushita speaking to reporters in Tokyo (file photo)
Japanese Financial Services Minister Tadahiro Matsushita has been found hanged at his home in Tokyo, police officials say.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department issued a statement on Monday, saying the banking minster was found dead at his home earlier in the day, Reuters reported.
Police suspect that Matsushita may have taken his own life and said they were investigating the incident.
Matsushita was a member of the ruling Democratic Party's tiny junior coalition partner, the People's New Party, and was appointed financial services minister in a cabinet reshuffle in June.
"I'm shocked to hear the sad news. He always gave me encouragement when things were tough," Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said.
Matsushita, 73, also served as the state minister for privatization of the postal system.
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