Key Facts
• September 10, Mayor Maki Takubo dissolved Ito City Council after a no-confidence vote.
• Council has 20 seats; mayor seeks reform and new leadership for the city.
• Vice mayor and education chief positions remain vacant, delaying budget planning.
• October 19 elections likely to decide new council composition.
• Mayor needs at least 7 pro-Takubo candidates elected to block no-confidence reapproval.
• Estimated election costs: ¥45 million for council, ¥30 million if mayoral election occurs.
• Takubo’s academic record controversy: claimed Toyo University graduation, later revealed as expelled.
• June 28: Takubo claimed first knowledge of expulsion; council deemed this false.
• Council unanimously passed no-confidence vote and filed criminal charges for Local Autonomy Law violations.
• Concerns grow over prolonged governance stagnation and negative impact on local tourism.
Summary
Ito City Mayor Maki Takubo dissolved the city council on September 10 following a no-confidence vote linked to her academic record controversy. Takubo, accused of falsifying her Toyo University graduation, faces criticism for governance delays, including unfilled key positions and stalled budget planning. The council’s dissolution has sparked public concern over election costs and prolonged instability. Elections on October 19 are expected to determine the council’s new composition, with Takubo needing at least seven allies elected to block further no-confidence actions. The council has filed criminal charges against Takubo, citing false testimony and Local Autonomy Law violations. The situation has raised fears of damage to Ito’s tourism reputation and extended administrative stagnation.
