Key Facts
• July 7, 2025: Mayor Maki Takubo held a press conference with her lawyer.
• Takubo resigned after a no-confidence motion over academic fraud allegations.
• Lawyer stated dismissal reasons for Takubo’s university enrollment remain unclear.
• Takubo claimed to have attended Toyo University for four years before dismissal.
• Lawyer confirmed possession of Takubo’s graduation certificate and enrollment records.
• May 2025: Takubo was elected mayor after listing Toyo University degree in her profile.
• July 2025: City newsletter stated Takubo graduated from Toyo University.
• Allegations revealed Takubo was dismissed from Toyo University on March 31, graduation year.
• Lawyer denied belief that presented documents were falsified.
• Investigation into the matter has been referred to authorities.
Summary
Maki Takubo, the mayor of Ito City, resigned following a no-confidence motion over academic fraud allegations. During a press conference on July 7, 2025, her lawyer questioned the reasons behind her dismissal from Toyo University, where she claimed to have studied for four years. Despite allegations, the lawyer confirmed the authenticity of her graduation certificate and enrollment records, which are now under investigation. Takubo, elected in May 2025, had listed a Toyo University degree in her profile, but later disclosed her dismissal from the university. The case has been handed over to authorities for further examination.
