Key Facts
• August 15: Mayor Maki Takubo inspected the aging library and a former school site.
• The library, over 40 years old, faces severe deterioration, including leaks.
• May 2025: Takubo opposed a $42 million new library project during the mayoral election.
• May 29: After winning, Takubo announced the cancellation of the library construction.
• July 2: Takubo proposed a ‘Hot Spring Café’ combining a spa and library.
• August 15: Takubo clarified the café idea as ‘just one option,’ not a confirmed plan.
• The ‘Hot Spring Café’ would rely on private investment, minimizing public costs.
• Takubo emphasized rejecting ineffective public buildings, not all infrastructure.
• The mayor aims to attract private investment for future projects.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, has scaled back her ‘Hot Spring Café’ proposal, initially presented as a potential solution to replace the aging city library. After canceling a $42 million library construction project upon taking office in May 2025, Takubo suggested combining a spa and library to reduce public costs. However, during an August 15 site inspection, she clarified the idea as ‘just one option,’ emphasizing private investment’s role. Takubo reiterated her campaign stance against ineffective public infrastructure while remaining open to practical, cost-effective projects. The mayor plans to present investment-driven proposals to residents.
