Japan mayor at center of academic fraud scandal reverses resignation, vows to stay on

The Mainichi

4 days ago

ITO, Shizuoka -- Ito Mayor Maki Takubo has reversed her decision to resign amid allegations she falsified her academic credentials, and will instead remain in office, she announced at a July 31 press conference here.
The 55-year-old Takubo, who had previously indicated she would step down in July and seek re-election, said she would instead focus on fulfilling her campaign pledges, including canceling a planned library construction project and scrapping a large-scale solar power initiative. "I will devote my full energy to delivering on my promises," she stated.
At the press conference, Takubo apologized, saying, "I am truly sorry for the confusion over my academic background -- it was due to my own shortcomings." She added, "I am acutely aware of the criticism and harsh comments, but I intend to move forward and strive to earn understanding through results," making clear her intention to stay on as mayor.
Takubo had claimed in the city's official public relations publication to have graduated from Toyo University's School of Law, but was in fact expelled before graduation. The city assembly has passed a resolution urging her resignation and established a special investigative committee under the Local Autonomy Act to probe the matter.
Takubo showed a document she described as a "diploma" to the assembly chair and others, but refused to submit it to the special committee, citing an ongoing criminal complaint against her for alleged violations of the Public Offices Election Act. She also declined to appear before the committee. At a July 29 committee session, an acquaintance of Takubo testified as a witness, stating, "She told me before taking office that she had not graduated from university." The city government remains in turmoil.
The criminal complaint has been accepted by authorities. At the press conference, Takubo was asked how she would respond if police requested the "diploma." While she had indicated on July 7 that she would voluntarily submit it to prosecutors, her attorney, who attended the press conference, said, "We will likely not allow the document to be confiscated." The attorney is currently holding the document and plans to exercise the right to refuse seizure under the Code of Criminal Procedure. Takubo herself declined to comment further.
On July 31, just hours before the press conference, Takubo convened a meeting of senior city officials. According to attendees, when she announced her intention to remain in office, some officials urged her to reconsider, warning that city administration could grind to a halt.
For now, most Ito city assembly members are cautious about passing a no-confidence motion against Takubo, as her choosing to dissolve the chamber would also terminate the special investigative committee. The prevailing view is to wait for the committee's findings before considering a no-confidence vote.
(Japanese original by Koji Wakai, Ito Local Bureau)