Key Facts
• July 7: Ito City Council unanimously approved a resignation recommendation for Mayor Maki Takubo.
• Allegation: Takubo falsely claimed a degree from Toyo University; records show expulsion.
• Council also established a special investigative committee to probe the allegations.
• Takubo promised to clarify her position during a press conference later that evening.
• Labor union representing city employees submitted a formal request for accountability and public apology.
• Citizens filed a criminal complaint against Takubo for potential election law violations.
• Police are reviewing the complaint and may launch an investigation if accepted.
• Council members, including Takubo’s former supporters, criticized her lack of transparency.
• Union leader emphasized the need for ethical behavior, stating, “A mayor must act as a person first.”
Summary
Maki Takubo, Mayor of Ito City, faces mounting pressure to resign following allegations of academic fraud. On July 7, the city council unanimously approved a resignation recommendation and launched an investigative committee. Takubo, accused of falsely claiming a degree from Toyo University, has yet to clarify her position but promised to address the issue in a press conference. City employees and citizens have demanded accountability, with a labor union submitting a formal request for an apology and a local business owner filing a criminal complaint for potential election law violations. Police are currently reviewing the complaint. Former supporters and council members criticized Takubo’s lack of transparency, urging her to uphold ethical standards. The situation continues to develop as public and legal scrutiny intensifies.
