Key Facts
• Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City admitted to academic fraud allegations.
• Takubo falsely claimed a degree from Toyo University Law School but was expelled in 1992.
• On July 7, the city council unanimously passed a resolution urging Takubo to resign.
• Takubo announced plans to submit resignation documents to prosecutors within two weeks.
• Evidence, including a diploma and enrollment records, will be submitted to Shizuoka prosecutors.
• Despite resignation plans, Takubo intends to host the “Mayor’s Discussion Meeting” on July 29 and 31.
• City employees suspect Takubo may delay resignation to secure an August 1 retirement bonus.
• Over 1,000 complaints have disrupted city hall operations since the scandal emerged.
• A city council committee will investigate Takubo’s academic claims starting July 11.
Summary
Ito City Mayor Maki Takubo faces backlash over academic fraud, falsely claiming a degree from Toyo University. Following a unanimous city council resolution on July 7 urging his resignation, Takubo announced plans to submit evidence and resignation documents to prosecutors within two weeks. Despite this, he plans to proceed with public events later in July, raising suspicions among city employees about potential delays to secure retirement benefits. The scandal has drawn over 1,000 complaints, severely impacting city hall operations. A city council committee will begin investigating the matter on July 11.
