The Usual Suspects

The Usual Suspects

From drunken sprees in the Vatican to suicide by dog leash, Japan beats the world when it comes to political scandals

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TOSHIKATSU MATSUOKA: STRINGING A LIE

In Japan, suicide is often the honorable way out—but not when you do it like Toshikatsu Matsuoka. In 2007, the then Agriculture Minister was found hanging in his pajamas from a dog leash in a parliamentary dormitory. This followed allegations of bid-rigging, dodgy political contributions, and perhaps the most pathetic excuse in the history of Japanese politics. Asked by reporters why he had claimed ¥29 million for “utilities” for his parliamentary office—where rent, electricity and water are free of charge—he replied, “We’ve installed nantoka (whatchamacallit) rejuvenated water in our plumbing.”

by Chip Boles

by Chip Boles