Key Facts
• June 2025: Allegations of academic fraud against Mayor Maki Takubo surface.
• July 7, 2025: City council unanimously passes a resolution urging her resignation.
• July 31, 2025: Takubo announces withdrawal of her resignation in a press conference.
• Takubo claimed to have graduated from Toyo University but was found to have been expelled.
• City council demanded her graduation certificate, which she refused to provide.
• Takubo cited public support as a reason for her decision to remain in office.
• Her lawyer stated that any forced seizure of the certificate would be legally unacceptable.
• Public criticism includes accusations of irresponsibility and betrayal of citizens’ trust.
Summary
Maki Takubo, the mayor of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has sparked widespread criticism after retracting her resignation amid allegations of academic fraud. Initially accused in June 2025 of falsely claiming a degree from Toyo University, Takubo faced a unanimous resignation request from the city council in July. Despite this, she announced her decision to remain in office during a press conference on July 31, citing encouragement from citizens. Her refusal to provide a graduation certificate and her lawyer’s stance against forced seizure have intensified public outrage. Critics accuse her of irresponsibility and undermining public trust, leaving the issue unresolved and citizens concerned.
