Former Liberal-Democratic Party Secretary General Koichi Kato talks to reporters in front of his mother's house in Tsuruoka, Yamagata Prefecture on Aug. 15.

Kato's mother, Onobu, 97, was away from home when the fire started.

A man believed to be in his 50s or 60s was found collapsed on the premises, bleeding from his abdomen. He was taken to a hospital for treatment at an intensive care unit. Police are investigating his involvement in the incident.

The police said they suspect arson as Onobu Kato said she did not believe any gas or electric equipment was running when she left the house.

The lawmaker was in Tokyo when the fire broke out, and he immediately headed back to Tsuruoka.

The house and office were located in a residential area near JR Tsuruoka Station. Kato's house, on the same premises, was undamaged.

The Japan Times Weekly: Aug. 19, 2006
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