Key Facts
• August 12: Ito City Women’s Association began street petition for Mayor’s resignation.
• Petition aims to submit signatures to the Mayor by the end of August.
• Protesters gathered outside Ito City Hall, demanding accountability from Mayor Takubo.
• Mayor Takubo applied for a lawyer’s presence at the committee hearing.
• Allegations include academic fraud and violation of election laws.
• Mayor Takubo’s controversial social media post included a private LINE message.
• Yamaguchi Yoshihiro, who filed a criminal complaint, criticized the Mayor’s actions.
• Yamaguchi revealed he was approached in May to consider becoming Deputy Mayor.
• Citizens expressed concerns over the Mayor’s alleged dishonesty and lack of responsibility.
Summary
Calls for Ito City Mayor Maki Takubo’s resignation are intensifying, with citizens and groups like the Ito City Women’s Association initiating petitions and protests. Allegations of academic fraud and election law violations have fueled public dissatisfaction. Mayor Takubo, who previously refused to submit requested documents, has now agreed to attend a committee hearing with a lawyer. A controversial social media post by the Mayor, featuring a private LINE message, has drawn criticism from Yamaguchi Yoshihiro, a local businessman who filed a criminal complaint against her. Yamaguchi clarified that his message was not a threat but a call for dialogue. Citizens argue that the Mayor’s actions undermine trust and demand accountability. The petition is expected to be submitted by the end of August.
