Key Facts
• July 31: Ito City Mayor Maki Takubo reverses resignation, announces continuation.
• Reason: Public support, including calls to “keep going” and “see it through.”
• Controversy: Claimed Toyo University graduation, later revealed to have been expelled.
• Scandal: Displayed alleged diploma to city council, fueling public scrutiny.
• Internet Reaction: Comparisons to PM Shigeru Ishiba, who also refused to resign.
• Criticism: Accusations of clinging to power, labeled “female version of Ishiba.”
• No evidence: Diploma in question was not presented during the press conference.
Summary
Maki Takubo, Mayor of Ito City, reversed her resignation on July 31, citing public encouragement as her motivation to continue. Previously, she faced backlash for falsely claiming to have graduated from Toyo University, a claim debunked when her expulsion was revealed. Despite announcing plans for a re-election campaign, she decided to remain in office, sparking criticism online. Many compared her to Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba, who similarly refused to step down despite political setbacks. Critics accused both of clinging to power, with some dubbing Takubo the “female version of Ishiba.” The controversial diploma at the center of the scandal was not shown during her press conference.
