Key Facts
• August 15: Mayor Takubo expressed readiness to disclose ‘19.2-second’ audio.
• August 19: Reversed stance, citing potential criminal accusations as the reason.
• The issue stems from allegations of academic credential falsification.
• Takubo claims to have shown a ‘graduation certificate’ for 19.2 seconds.
• Vice Chair Aoki disputes this, stating the total viewing time was about 10 seconds.
• Takubo revealed the audio recording during a committee hearing on August 13.
• Chair Nakajima considers criminal charges if Takubo’s statements are proven false.
• Takubo prefers to await the committee’s report before further action.
• The ‘graduation certificate’ was shown to Chair Nakajima and Vice Chair Aoki.
• Takubo believes police investigation is necessary if accusations proceed.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City, embroiled in an academic credential falsification controversy, has reversed her stance on disclosing a ‘19.2-second’ audio recording. Initially willing to release the recording on August 15, she changed her position on August 19, citing concerns over potential criminal accusations. The dispute centers on whether Takubo adequately presented a ‘graduation certificate’ to Chair Hirodo Nakajima and Vice Chair Takahiro Aoki. Takubo claims the document was shown for 19.2 seconds, while Aoki argues it was only about 10 seconds. The mayor revealed the existence of the recording during an August 13 committee hearing. Chair Nakajima has indicated that criminal charges, including perjury, may be pursued if Takubo’s statements are proven false. Takubo has stated she will await the committee’s findings and believes police involvement is necessary if accusations proceed.
