- 14 Mar 2002
- 21,051
- 18,903
The mayor of Ito, on the Izu Peninsula, has faced mounting trouble this summer after it emerged that she falsely claimed to have graduated from university, when in reality she had not. In fact, records show she was expelled from Toyo University. What at first seemed like a relatively minor embarrassment has since escalated into a nationwide controversy, fuelling public anger and even sparking calls to boycott the region's tourism industry.
Takubo Maki, mayor of Ito City, Shizuoka Prefecture, finds herself at the centre of a deepening controversy over false claims around her academic background. Sources reveal that she had repeatedly stated in public materials—such as a city magazine and her election biography—that she had graduated from Toyo University; however, the university confirmed that she was actually expelled.
Faced with public backlash, Takubo initially announced her resignation to run again in a fresh election, even offering to let prosecutors examine documents she claimed proved her degree. Shortly thereafter, however, she reversed course, deciding to stay in office and citing her commitment to fulfil key campaign promises, including scrapping a new library project.
The Ito city assembly responded with increasing pressure, unanimously passing a no-confidence motion in early September. The assembly also filed a criminal complaint, accusing her of obstructing their investigation and violating local autonomy law by misleading the public.
Meanwhile, Takubo has faced growing public outrage. Complaints poured into the city—hundreds within just a few days—and a criminal complaint was filed against her for allegedly violating election law by submitting false academic credentials. In essence, what began as misleading statements about her university record has evolved into a full-blown political firestorm—eroding public trust, stalling city affairs, and triggering criminal and judicial inquiries.
Yesterday, Ito's city assembly voted unanimously to pass a no-confidence motion against Takubo after it was confirmed that she had falsified her academic background. Members also filed a criminal complaint accusing her of blocking their investigation. The decision leaves Takubo with only two options, giving her just ten days to either resign from office or dissolve the assembly.
Asked about her intentions following the vote, Takubo said she had nothing to announce at the moment and would take time to reflect before deciding. The decision came on the first day of the September assembly session, shortly after a special investigative committee presented its final report. After eight hearings, the committee concluded that the mayor had deliberately misrepresented her educational record, providing detailed evidence to support its finding.
The assembly subsequently voted to pursue criminal charges over four alleged breaches of the Local Autonomy Law: her refusal to appear before the committee, failure to submit requested documents, refusal to testify, and providing false statements. The complaint has already been filed with the Ito Police Station and formally accepted by the prefectural police.
TL;DR:
Takubo Maki (田久保まき), mayor of Ito City.
Faced with public backlash, Takubo initially announced her resignation to run again in a fresh election, even offering to let prosecutors examine documents she claimed proved her degree. Shortly thereafter, however, she reversed course, deciding to stay in office and citing her commitment to fulfil key campaign promises, including scrapping a new library project.
The Ito city assembly responded with increasing pressure, unanimously passing a no-confidence motion in early September. The assembly also filed a criminal complaint, accusing her of obstructing their investigation and violating local autonomy law by misleading the public.
Meanwhile, Takubo has faced growing public outrage. Complaints poured into the city—hundreds within just a few days—and a criminal complaint was filed against her for allegedly violating election law by submitting false academic credentials. In essence, what began as misleading statements about her university record has evolved into a full-blown political firestorm—eroding public trust, stalling city affairs, and triggering criminal and judicial inquiries.
Yesterday, Ito's city assembly voted unanimously to pass a no-confidence motion against Takubo after it was confirmed that she had falsified her academic background. Members also filed a criminal complaint accusing her of blocking their investigation. The decision leaves Takubo with only two options, giving her just ten days to either resign from office or dissolve the assembly.
Asked about her intentions following the vote, Takubo said she had nothing to announce at the moment and would take time to reflect before deciding. The decision came on the first day of the September assembly session, shortly after a special investigative committee presented its final report. After eight hearings, the committee concluded that the mayor had deliberately misrepresented her educational record, providing detailed evidence to support its finding.
The assembly subsequently voted to pursue criminal charges over four alleged breaches of the Local Autonomy Law: her refusal to appear before the committee, failure to submit requested documents, refusal to testify, and providing false statements. The complaint has already been filed with the Ito Police Station and formally accepted by the prefectural police.
