Key Facts
• August 14: Mayor Maki Takubo demands apology to Toyo University from city council.
• August 13: Special committee questions Mayor Takubo over academic fraud allegations.
• Mayor claims she showed her diploma for 19.2 seconds, refuting ‘brief glance’ claims.
• Councilor Kazuhiko Shimiya calls Toyo University an ‘evil organization,’ later retracts.
• Mayor Takubo criticizes council for straying from core issue of academic fraud.
• Public opinion divided: some call the debate ’embarrassing,’ others demand accountability.
Summary
Tensions between Ito City Mayor Maki Takubo and the city council have intensified following her demand for an apology to Toyo University. The controversy stems from a special committee meeting on August 13, where Takubo was questioned about alleged academic fraud. The mayor refuted claims of a ‘brief glance’ at her diploma, asserting it was shown for 19.2 seconds. A councilor’s remark labeling Toyo University an ‘evil organization’ further escalated the dispute, though the comment was later retracted. Public reactions highlight frustration, with some citizens calling the debate ‘ridiculous’ and urging a focus on the core issue. The ongoing conflict continues to divert attention from the academic fraud allegations.
