of taking too much cold medicine before the meeting. In "Who Governs The World", a book published in February 2010 by Takahiko Soejima, he suggest there were more than three people involved in this incident. Despite calls for his resignation by opposition parties at the time, Nakagawa did not immediately resign; Prime Minister Taro Aso supported him and called for him to continue his duties as Finance Minister. However, on 17 February, Nakagawa announced that he had chosen to resign, and his resignation was accepted by Prime Minister Aso that evening. Death Shōichi Nakagawa died on 3 October 2009, aged 56 at his home in Tokyo. Japanese media reports said his body was found face down on the bed by his wife, with no external injuries. She alerted ambulance services at approximately 8:30 am. His death had taken place at least eight hours previously. An investigation was done to determine the cause of death. An autopsy was planned to determine the cause of death. A will has not been located. Taro Aso, the former Japanese Prime Minister, was rendered speechless by the news: "I am so deeply shocked that I have no words." Hirohisa Fujii, his successor as Finance Minister, also commented: "I want to express my heartfelt condolences. He was doing a fine job as a finance minister, so it is regrettable." The Sydney Morning Herald said his death had "sent a shock wave throughout the nation." After his death, his widow Yūko Nakagawa ran for his old seat in the 2012 election, which she won and held until 2017. References External links Shoichi Nakagawa's Profile 1953 births 2009 deaths Azabu High School alumni Conservatism in Japan Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) Ministers of Finance of Japan Ministers of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries of Japan People from Hokkaido Politicians from Tokyo University of Tokyo alumni Liberal Democratic Party (Japan) politicians Japanese politicians who committed suicide Members of Nippon Kaigi 21st-century Japanese politicians Government ministers of Japan