Key Facts
• October 31: Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City removed after second no-confidence vote.
• September 1: First no-confidence vote passed unanimously due to academic fraud allegations.
• October 19: 19 out of 20 elected council members opposed Takubo.
• October 31: Council passed second no-confidence vote with majority support.
• Takubo falsely claimed to have graduated from Toyo University Law School.
• Investigation confirmed no valid diploma was issued; fraud allegations substantiated.
• Local Autonomy Law mandates removal after second no-confidence vote.
• Takubo avoided detailed explanation, citing ongoing criminal complaints.
Summary
Mayor Maki Takubo of Ito City was removed from office on October 31 following a second no-confidence vote by the city council. The decision stemmed from allegations of academic fraud, as Takubo falsely claimed to have graduated from Toyo University despite being expelled. An investigation confirmed the absence of a valid diploma and deemed the claim fraudulent. After a first no-confidence vote in September, Takubo dissolved the council, but subsequent elections saw 19 of 20 members opposing him. Under Japan’s Local Autonomy Law, the second vote led to his removal. Takubo has refrained from providing further explanations, citing ongoing criminal complaints.
