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The Mainichi
7 days ago
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Japan mayor at center of academic fraud scandal reverses resignation, vows to stay on
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)
The Mainichi
05-07-2025
- Politics
- The Mainichi
Mayor in Japan's Shizuoka Pref. faces call for resignation over faked academic record
ITO, Shizuoka -- A city council committee here unanimously decided on July 4 to submit a resolution to the assembly urging Mayor Maki Takubo to resign over revelations she falsely claimed to have graduated from Toyo University when she had in fact been expelled. The steering committee will also present a resolution calling for a special investigative committee to be established under Japan's Local Autonomy Act. Both proposals will be presented and are expected to be passed at an Ito Municipal Assembly plenary session July 7. The resignation resolution criticized Mayor Takubo, 55, for repeatedly deflecting questions or refusing to respond when confronted about her academic background by the city assembly. The text stated, "This goes beyond merely lacking sincerity, and is even despicable." Takubo was first elected in May this year. An official city bulletin introducing the new mayor listed her as a graduate of Toyo University's Department of Law. City Assembly Speaker Hiromichi Nakajima urged the mayor to step down in remarks to reporters, saying, "I hope she resigns quickly to prevent further confusion for Ito." According to city officials, after reports emerged July 2 confirming the mayor had been expelled and had falsely claimed to have graduated, the city received over 200 telephone calls regarding the case that day alone, followed by more than 350 calls the next day. The city also received about 250 emails across both days, almost all of them demanding the mayor's resignation. In addition, a local business operator announced plans to file a criminal complaint early next week, alleging a possible violation of the Public Offices Election Act due to Takubo's false educational claims during the mayoral race. Takubo did not come to the city hall on July 4 and canceled a planned appearance that day in a meeting of mayors from eastern Shizuoka Prefecture to avoid causing confusion. The mayor is also due to skip the Matsukawa tub race, a local event scheduled for July 6. (Japanese original by Koji Wakai, Ito Local Bureau)
