Key Facts
• July 18, 3:40 PM: Mayor Takubo submitted a response letter instead of the requested diploma.
• The response letter explicitly stated the refusal to submit the diploma.
• Mayor Takubo cited a criminal complaint under the Public Offices Election Act as the reason.
• Takubo invoked constitutional rights, including protection against self-incrimination, to justify the refusal.
• The city council announced plans to convene a special investigative committee (Hyakujō Committee).
• The committee decided to contact Toyo University for document verification.
• Mayor Takubo left the city hall before the committee meeting concluded.
• Legal expert Yukio Kikuchi affirmed the refusal could be legally justified under constitutional rights.
• The committee may demand the diploma if the refusal is deemed unjustified.
• Takubo indicated plans to decide on resignation within the next two weeks.
Summary
On July 18, Mayor Maki Takubo of Itō City submitted a response letter instead of the requested diploma, citing a criminal complaint under the Public Offices Election Act. Takubo invoked constitutional rights, including protection against self-incrimination, to justify the refusal. The city council expressed shock and announced the formation of a special investigative committee to address the issue. The committee plans to contact Toyo University for verification and may demand the diploma if the refusal is deemed unjustified. Legal expert Yukio Kikuchi noted that the refusal could be legally valid under constitutional protections. Takubo, who had previously mentioned plans to resign, stated that the criminal complaint has altered circumstances and promised to decide on her resignation within two weeks. The situation remains under scrutiny as the council and legal authorities proceed with investigations.
