Key Facts
• August 16: Mayor Maki Takubo posts on social media about “unveiling the full picture.”
• Takubo accused of falsely claiming a degree from Toyo University despite being expelled.
• City Council Chair Hiro Michinaka calls Takubo’s statement “completely incomprehensible.”
• Vice Chair Takahiro Aoki dismisses the post as a “common pattern.”
• August 18: City Council’s investigative committee requests additional records from Toyo University.
• Purpose of the request: To improve the accuracy of the investigation report.
• Details of the request remain undisclosed to avoid affecting the investigation.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City faces allegations of academic fraud for falsely claiming a degree from Toyo University, despite being expelled. On August 16, Takubo posted on social media, stating that the “full picture” of the controversy was becoming clear. This statement was met with criticism from City Council Chair Hiro Michinaka, who found it “completely incomprehensible,” and Vice Chair Takahiro Aoki, who dismissed it as a “common pattern.” The City Council’s investigative committee, aiming to enhance the accuracy of its report, decided on August 18 to request additional records from Toyo University. However, the specifics of the request remain confidential to avoid impacting the ongoing investigation.
