Key Facts
• July 31: Mayor Maki Takubo (55) announced decision to remain in office.
• Initially planned to resign and run in a re-election amid academic fraud claims.
• Allegations: Claimed to have graduated from Toyo University but was expelled.
• July 7: City council unanimously passed a resolution urging her resignation.
• July 28: Promised to clarify her position in a press conference.
• Public criticism on X (formerly Twitter): “Steel mental strength,” “Embarrassing for Shizuoka.”
• Takubo cited public commitments, including opposing mega-solar projects, as reasons to stay.
• Refused to testify before a special city council committee investigating her academic record.
• May 29: Took office, presenting herself as a Toyo University graduate.
• July: City council established a special committee to investigate her profile claims.
Summary
Maki Takubo, the mayor of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, reversed her decision to resign amid allegations of academic fraud. Initially planning to step down and run in a re-election, she announced on July 31 her intention to remain in office, citing her commitment to fulfilling campaign promises, such as opposing mega-solar projects. Takubo faced criticism for falsely claiming to have graduated from Toyo University, despite being expelled. The city council unanimously passed a resolution urging her resignation and launched an investigation into her academic claims. Public reactions on social media were overwhelmingly negative, questioning her credibility and decision-making. Takubo also refused to testify before a special council committee, citing insufficient justification for her attendance. Despite the controversy, she vowed to deliver results for the citizens of Ito.
