Key Facts
• August 18: Special Committee convened to investigate Mayor Maki Takubo’s academic fraud allegations.
• Takubo allegedly claimed graduation from Toyo University despite being expelled.
• Committee requested additional records from Toyo University to enhance investigation accuracy.
• Submission deadline for records set to August 29, 2025.
• Committee withheld details on the specific records requested.
• August 13: Takubo testified, showing a “graduation certificate” for approximately 19.2 seconds.
• Committee Chair Hiro Michi Nakajima considers criminal charges for potential perjury.
• Local Autonomy Law imposes penalties for perjury or refusal to submit records.
• City Council plans to file charges and propose a no-confidence motion against Takubo.
Summary
The mayor of Ito City, Maki Takubo, is under investigation for allegedly falsifying her academic credentials by claiming to have graduated from Toyo University despite being expelled. On August 18, a special investigative committee requested additional records from the university to ensure the accuracy of their findings, with a submission deadline of August 29, 2025. During her testimony on August 13, Takubo presented a “graduation certificate” for 19.2 seconds, which has raised suspicions of perjury. Committee Chair Hiro Michi Nakajima has indicated the possibility of criminal charges. Under the Local Autonomy Law, penalties apply for perjury or refusal to provide records. The City Council plans to proceed with legal action and a no-confidence motion against the mayor.
