Former Japanese Foreign Minister and Internal Affairs Minister Takeaki Matsumoto has died at the age of 67, according to 産経ニュース. The outlet reported his death on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
Matsumoto retired from politics in February of this year due to poor health, 産経ニュース states. He served nine terms in the lower house of Japan's parliament.
During his career, Matsumoto held key cabinet posts including foreign minister and internal affairs and communications minister. In his role as internal affairs minister under Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, he oversaw the rollout of the My Number national ID card system, according to 読売新聞. Multiple Japanese news outlets, including 時事ドットコム and NHKニュース, confirmed his passing.
The cause of death was amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), according to テレビ朝日系 (ANN).
Matsumoto was a veteran lawmaker who represented his constituency for decades. His political career spanned multiple administrations, and he was known for his work on administrative reform and digital identification policies.
His death marks the end of a long political career that included some of Japan's most senior government positions. Further details about memorial services have not yet been announced by his family or political party.
