postal privatization. He returned to run in 2009, having left his party for the People's New Party. He was a junior member of the party, and one of only four members elected to the House. Death Matsushita was found dead in his residence in Tokyo on 10 September 2012. Police stated that he appeared to have committed suicide by hanging himself. References 1939 births 2012 deaths Government ministers of Japan Japanese politicians who committed suicide Kyoto University alumni Liberal Democratic Party (Japan) politicians Members of the House of Representatives (Japan) Noda cabinet Politicians from Kagoshima Prefecture People's New Party politicians Suicides by hanging in Japan 21st-century Japanese politicians