TOKYO Bank of Japan executive director Takayuki Kamoshida, who headed a probe into corruption at the Central Bank, committed suicide on Saturday, police said. Kamoshida, who had been with the bank for 35 years, hanged himself at his late mother's home in central Tokyo, a police spokesman told Reuters. Police earlier said Kamoshida killed himself in his own home. Police sources said a suicide note found at the scene said: I am exhausted.

I have reached my limit. In the note, Kamoshida also apologized to his family and Bank of Japan (BOJ) officials for taking his life. Bank of Japan governor Masaru Hayami said he was greatly shocked and saddened by Kamoshida's death, calling him one of the most valued persons at the bank. Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto said Kamoshida had played an important role in the newly reorganized Bank of Japan. He had an important role in the new BOJ. It is truly regrettable (that he died) since I really hoped he would work for the new BOJ, Hashimoto told reporters.

Kamoshida, 58, was the latest senior financial official to commit suicide as scandals involving insider information have swirled around the venerable Bank of Japan and Ministry of Finance (MOF) as well as top private Japanese banks. (Reuter)