Key Facts
• Mayor Maki Takubo, 55, falsely claimed to graduate from Toyo University.
• On July 31, Takubo announced he would serve his full four-year term.
• Promised resignation, re-election, and document submission were all broken.
• Fake graduation certificate was not submitted to prosecutors as pledged.
• Press conference held at 8 PM near Ito Port to clarify his stance.
• Takubo apologized for “confusion” but sought public support for a “fresh start.”
• Promised to halt a $42 million library project and a solar farm plan.
• Both projects were already resolved or halted under the previous administration.
• Takubo initially vowed to resign by July 31 but failed to file necessary paperwork.
• Critics question his credibility after breaking three major promises.
Summary
Maki Takubo, the mayor of Ito City, Japan, is embroiled in controversy over academic fraud, having falsely claimed to graduate from Toyo University. Despite initially promising to resign, hold a re-election, and submit a questionable graduation certificate to prosecutors, Takubo has reneged on all three commitments. In a July 31 press conference, he declared his intention to serve his full term, citing a “mission” to halt a library project and solar farm plan-both of which were already resolved. Critics and city officials have raised doubts about his sincerity, as procedural inconsistencies suggest he never intended to resign. Takubo’s actions have sparked public outrage, with many questioning his credibility and ability to lead.
