Key Facts
• July 31: Policy meeting held regarding Mayor Maki Takubo’s academic fraud allegations.
• All department heads demanded Mayor Takubo’s resignation during the meeting.
• Mayor Takubo reversed her resignation decision and announced her continuation as mayor.
• Meeting lasted approximately one hour, with officials voicing concerns about city operations.
• July 7: Mayor Takubo initially announced her intention to resign and hold a re-election.
• Ito City received 4,200 inquiries via phone and email regarding the issue.
• August 1: 1,200 additional inquiries were received, overwhelming city staff.
• Department heads urged Mayor Takubo to honor her earlier resignation commitment.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is under scrutiny for alleged academic fraud. On July 31, a policy meeting was held where all department heads unanimously called for her resignation. Despite this, Mayor Takubo reversed her earlier decision to resign, stating her intention to remain in office. The meeting, lasting about an hour, highlighted concerns from city officials about the administration’s current state. Previously, on July 7, the mayor had announced plans to resign and hold a re-election. The controversy has sparked significant public reaction, with the city receiving 4,200 inquiries, including 1,200 on August 1 alone, straining staff resources. Department heads emphasized the importance of accountability and urged the mayor to reconsider her decision, but she remained firm in her stance.
