Key Facts
• August 8: Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City refused to submit her graduation certificate.
• The certificate was requested by the city council’s investigative committee.
• The deadline for submission was 4:00 PM on August 8.
• Mayor Takubo submitted a written response refusing the request, citing the same reasons as before.
• The council criticized the refusal as disrespectful to both the council and citizens.
• All department heads of Ito City Hall demanded the mayor’s resignation in July.
• August 6: A phone call threatened Mayor Takubo’s life.
• August 8: An email warned of a bomb threat targeting the city hall on August 10.
• Police have been consulted to address safety concerns.
• The ongoing controversy has strained relations between the mayor, city council, and staff.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, continues to face scrutiny over allegations of academic fraud. On August 8, she refused to submit her graduation certificate to the city council’s investigative committee, citing the same reasons as her previous refusals. This decision has drawn criticism from the council, which views it as a disregard for both the council and citizens. Relations between the mayor and city staff have also deteriorated, with all department heads calling for her resignation in July. Adding to the tension, the city hall received a bomb threat and a death threat against the mayor, prompting police involvement. The situation has created significant challenges for the city administration, including ensuring the safety of its staff and facilities.
