Key Facts
• August 11, Mayor Maki Takubo shared private LINE messages on X and Facebook.
• Messages were from Yamaguchi Yoshihiro, a construction company president and accuser.
• Takubo accused of falsifying academic credentials, admitting to university withdrawal.
• Yamaguchi filed a criminal complaint citing public office election law violations.
• Takubo claimed sharing messages was to inform citizens of ongoing events.
• July 7, Takubo promised to submit proof of education but later retracted.
• July 28, Yamaguchi’s complaint was accepted; police investigations are ongoing.
• August 13, Takubo appeared before a special city council committee but avoided direct answers.
• Yamaguchi alleges Takubo’s actions intimidate former supporters and citizens.
• Takubo’s leadership faces increasing criticism and diminishing public support.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, is embroiled in an academic fraud scandal. On August 11, she publicly shared private LINE messages from Yamaguchi Yoshihiro, a construction company president who had filed a criminal complaint against her for violating election laws. Takubo admitted to withdrawing from university, contradicting her earlier claims of graduation. Despite promising to submit proof of her education, she later retracted. Yamaguchi accuses Takubo of using public platforms to intimidate critics and former supporters. The controversy has led to police investigations and growing public scrutiny of her leadership. Takubo’s actions have raised concerns about her ability to manage citizens’ personal information responsibly.
