Key Facts
• November 19, Takubo officially announced candidacy for Ito mayoral election.
• Takubo lost position on October 31 due to academic forgery allegations.
• Allegedly claimed graduation from Toyo University despite being expelled.
• Refused to confirm submission of diploma to police, citing investigative respect.
• Toyo University confirmed no diploma issued to non-graduates.
• Ito City Council concluded no valid diploma was granted.
• December 7 marks election announcement; voting scheduled for December 14.
• Six other candidates, including former officials and NPO leaders, declared candidacy.
Summary
Former Ito Mayor Maki Takubo announced his candidacy for the upcoming mayoral election following his October 31 dismissal over academic forgery allegations. Takubo allegedly claimed to have graduated from Toyo University despite being expelled. During a November 19 press conference, he avoided confirming whether he would submit the disputed diploma to police, citing respect for investigative processes. Toyo University and the Ito City Council both confirmed no valid diploma was issued. The election will be announced on December 7, with voting on December 14. Six other candidates, including former officials and NPO leaders, have also declared their intention to run.
