Key Facts
• July 18, 2025: Shizuoka’s Ito City Mayor Maki Takubo refused to submit ‘diploma.’
• Claimed diploma was valid despite being expelled from Toyo University.
• Invoked constitutional right to silence under Article 38, citing criminal complaint.
• Refusal linked to alleged violation of Public Offices Election Act.
• Mayor announced resignation by the end of July 2025.
• Local Autonomy Law imposes penalties for unjustified refusal to comply with committee.
• Committee to consult city’s legal advisor on validity of Takubo’s justification.
• Toyo University asked to clarify expulsion reasons by August 13, 2025.
• City Council Chair Hirodo Nakajima expressed disappointment, doubting diploma authenticity.
Summary
Maki Takubo, Mayor of Ito City, Shizuoka, refused to submit a ‘diploma’ to the city council’s special investigative committee on July 18, 2025. The diploma, previously claimed as proof of graduation from Toyo University, was questioned after it was revealed she had been expelled. Takubo cited her constitutional right to silence, referencing a criminal complaint alleging a violation of the Public Offices Election Act. She announced plans to resign by the end of July. The committee will consult legal advisors to determine if her refusal is justified under the Local Autonomy Law, which penalizes non-compliance. Additionally, Toyo University has been asked to clarify the expulsion details by August 13. City Council Chair Hirodo Nakajima expressed disappointment, suggesting the diploma may be fake.
