Japan's Ex-Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto Dies at 67 Due to ALS

Takeaki Matsumoto, Japan's former Foreign Minister, has passed away at the age of 67 due to amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

The politician was a member of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and served nine terms as a lawmaker in the House of Representatives. He retired from politics earlier this year after his health began to deteriorate.

Matsumoto's great-great-grandfather was Hirobumi Ito, Japan's first prime minister. Before entering politics, he worked at Industrial Bank of Japan, which is now part of Mizuho Bank.