Ryutaro Hashimoto
Mitsuzuka was appointed minister of finance in the second cabinet of Ryutaro Hashimoto on 7 November 1996, replacing Wataru Kubo. He resigned from office on 28 January 1998 to take responsibility for corrupt behavior by officials of the ministry, although he was not personally involved. Hikaru Matsunaga succeeded him as finance minister on 1 February 1998.