Key Facts
• August 13, Mayor Maki Takubo testified before the Ito City Council’s special committee.
• August 14, Takubo submitted a protest letter to Chairman Hiromichi Nakajima.
• Takubo accused committee member Kazuhiko Shimiya of insulting Toyo University.
• Shimiya questioned Takubo’s academic status, citing Toyo University’s dismissal criteria.
• Takubo denied receiving strict academic guidance or warnings from the university.
• Shimiya suggested Toyo University may have failed to fulfill its obligations.
• Takubo demanded a formal apology and public statement from the council.
• The controversy stems from Takubo’s alleged falsification of academic credentials.
• Shimiya’s remarks included calling Toyo University “an evil organization.”
• The issue has caused significant confusion for Ito City residents.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City, embroiled in an academic fraud scandal, submitted a protest letter on August 14, accusing a council member of making defamatory remarks about Toyo University during a special committee hearing. The remarks, which included calling the university “an evil organization,” were made while questioning Takubo’s academic status. Takubo denied receiving any strict academic guidance or warnings from the university and demanded a formal apology and public acknowledgment from the council. The controversy has sparked confusion among Ito City residents and raised questions about Toyo University’s administrative practices.
