Key Facts
• Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City faces allegations of academic fraud.
• Takubo listed “graduation” in city publications despite being expelled from university.
• The city council’s investigative committee demanded her diploma and testimony, both of which she refused.
• A witness testified that Takubo admitted not graduating but attended post-event gatherings.
• Council members criticized Takubo’s lack of accountability and questioned her integrity.
• Council Chair Hiro Michi Nakajima expressed doubts about Takubo’s credibility.
• Vice Chair Takahiro Aoki condemned Takubo for forcing citizens to testify under pressure.
• The council plans to demand her diploma and testimony again, considering legal action if she refuses.
• Takubo announced she would address her position in a press conference on July 31.
• The council may propose a no-confidence motion if she does not resign.
• Nakajima stated that a mayor should prioritize citizens, not personal interests.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is under scrutiny for alleged academic fraud, having claimed university graduation despite being expelled. The city council’s investigative committee has repeatedly demanded her diploma and testimony, both of which she has refused to provide. Witnesses testified that Takubo admitted not graduating, raising further doubts about her integrity. Council leaders criticized her actions, with Chair Hiro Michi Nakajima and Vice Chair Takahiro Aoki expressing frustration over her lack of accountability. The council plans to demand her compliance again and may pursue legal action if she continues to refuse. Takubo is expected to address her position in a press conference on July 31. If she does not resign, the council is prepared to propose a no-confidence motion. Nakajima emphasized that a mayor should prioritize citizens’ welfare, not personal interests.
