Key Facts
• December 14, 2025: Takubo Maki, 55, loses Ito City mayoral election.
• May 2025: Takubo becomes Ito City’s first female mayor, opposing new library construction.
• Shortly after election, academic credentials scandal emerges, revealing university expulsion.
• August 2025: Takubo retracts resignation plans, pledging to continue as mayor.
• September 1, 2025: City council unanimously passes no-confidence vote against Takubo.
• October 2025: All 18 council members opposing Takubo re-elected; second no-confidence vote leads to her dismissal.
• November 2025: Takubo runs in re-election without party or industry support but fails.
• Scandal and political conflict disrupt Ito City governance for seven months.
Summary
Takubo Maki, the first female mayor of Ito City, lost her re-election bid on December 14, 2025, following months of political turmoil. Initially elected in May 2025, her tenure was marred by an academic credentials scandal, revealing she was expelled from university rather than graduating. This led to clashes with the city council, which unanimously passed two no-confidence votes against her. Despite retracting her resignation and dissolving the council, all opposing members were re-elected, culminating in her dismissal in October. Running again in November without party or industry backing, Takubo emphasized citizen-focused politics but failed to regain public trust. Her seven-month tenure, marked by controversy and governance disruption, ended with the city moving toward new leadership.
