Photo/Illutration Maki Takubo, mayor of Ito in Shizuoka Prefecture, speaks at a news conference on July 31. (Shinya Minamishima)

ITO, Shizuoka Prefecture—Embattled Ito Mayor Maki Takubo has announced that she is withdrawing her previous intention to resign, despite ongoing accusations that she falsified her academic record.

Speaking at a news conference on July 31, Takubo reversed course, citing her responsibility to fulfill key campaign pledges made during the May mayoral election.

Allegations surfaced in June that the mayor was not a graduate of Tokyo’s Toyo University, as she had claimed during her election campaign.

Takubo subsequently acknowledged that she had, in fact, been expelled from the institution. However, she stated that she believed she had graduated until the allegations came to light.

In response to the controversy, she expressed her intention to resign and run again in a fresh mayoral race.

However, she made clear her determination to remain in office at the July 31 news conference, saying she would explain her university expulsion once she fully understood the situation.

Takubo also emphasized her commitment to her campaign pledges, including a promise to scrap the planned construction of a new municipal library.

“There are promises I must fulfill,” she said.

She is also known for her strong opposition to a mega solar farm project planned in the area.

Since the scandal broke, the mayor has faced increasing scrutiny over allegations that she deliberately falsified her academic background.

A special investigation committee of the municipal assembly requested that she appear as a witness. It also asked her to submit the graduation certificate she had reportedly shown to the assembly speaker.

Takubo has refused both requests.

On July 28, police accepted a criminal complaint filed by a local construction firm owner, accusing Takubo of violating the Public Offices Election Law by declaring false academic credentials.

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