Key Facts
• July 7, 2025: Ito Mayor Maki Takubo announced resignation over academic fraud.
• July 31, 2025: Takubo reversed decision, citing opposition to a mega-solar project.
• August 5, 2025: Shizuoka Mayor Kyoji Namba criticized Takubo’s reasoning in a press conference.
• Namba clarified the mega-solar project is not feasible due to lack of permits.
• Takubo claimed stopping the project was her “mission” and promised to fulfill public commitments.
• Namba, former deputy governor, stated the project cannot proceed due to legal and logistical barriers.
• Namba emphasized that the project’s halt does not depend on Takubo’s presence.
• Namba refrained from directly evaluating Takubo’s performance as mayor.
Summary
Shizuoka Mayor Kyoji Namba criticized Ito Mayor Maki Takubo’s justification for reversing her resignation, which was initially prompted by academic fraud allegations. Takubo cited her opposition to the Izukogen mega-solar project as a key reason for staying in office, calling it her “mission.” However, Namba, who dealt with the project as a former deputy governor, clarified that the project is currently unfeasible due to the lack of necessary permits. He also dismissed claims that Takubo’s presence is essential to halting the project. While Namba refrained from directly commenting on Takubo’s performance, his remarks indirectly questioned her rationale for remaining in office.
