The Ito City Ex-Mayor Scandal Unfolds
In a case that has captivated Japan, Maki Takubo, the former mayor of Ito City in Shizuoka Prefecture, has been referred to prosecutors amid allegations of academic credential fraud. The controversy centers on her claimed graduation from Toyo University’s Faculty of Law, which the institution has confirmed did not occur. Instead, Takubo was expelled after failing to pay tuition fees following multiple extensions on her studies. This scandal highlights ongoing concerns about higher education integrity in Japan, where public figures frequently list academic qualifications without rigorous verification.
Takubo’s case began during her 2025 mayoral campaign when she distributed materials asserting her Toyo University degree. City councilors raised questions in June 2025, prompting her to briefly show what appeared to be a diploma. Toyo University later verified that Takubo enrolled in 1988, extended her studies up to eight years, acquired only about half the required credits (roughly 50-60 out of 124 needed), and was expelled in her fifth year due to unpaid fees. She has denied forging the document but refused to submit it for inspection, citing legal protections against seizure.
Detailed Timeline of the Academic Fraud Allegations
The sequence of events reveals a protracted battle between Takubo, the city assembly, and law enforcement:
- May 2025: Takubo wins re-election partly on credentials including Toyo University graduation, listed in media surveys.
- June 2025: Council questions her degree during assembly session; she shows diploma privately to select members.
- July 2025: Admits expulsion but claims 'misunderstanding'; assembly establishes Hyakujo Committee under Local Autonomy Law.
- September 2025: No-confidence motion passes unanimously; Takubo dissolves assembly.
- October 2025: Second no-confidence; she is ousted.
- December 2025: Loses re-election bid.
- January 2026: Police voluntary questioning; denies all charges.
- February 14, 2026: Police search her home; no diploma found.
- February 27, 2026: Referred to Shizuoka District Prosecutors for Local Autonomy Law violation (obstructing committee with false testimony and refusal to submit documents).
This timeline underscores how initial credential discrepancies escalated into multiple criminal probes, including Public Offices Election Law violations and suspected private document forgery.
Toyo University’s Verification and Expulsion Policy
Toyo University, a private institution founded in 1887 with over 30,000 students across its Tokyo campuses, follows standard Japanese higher education protocols for student records. Diplomas (sotsugyoshou) are issued only upon completion of required credits and thesis defenses for undergraduates. Expulsion (joseki) occurs for reasons like prolonged non-payment of fees, exceeding enrollment limits (typically 4-8 years max), or academic failure.
In Takubo’s case, the university disclosed her status publicly due to the high-profile nature, confirming she never graduated. Japanese universities generally verify credentials upon official request from employers or authorities but protect privacy under the Personal Information Protection Law. Toyo University does not have a public digital ledger for diplomas but uses secure internal systems for alumni confirmation. This incident has prompted discussions on mandatory third-party verification for public office candidates.
Step-by-step expulsion process at institutions like Toyo:
- Warning for fee arrears or extension requests.
- Administrative hold on re-registration.
- Formal expulsion notice after deadline.
- Record marked as 'expelled' in registry; no diploma issued.
Legal Ramifications: Violations Under Scrutiny
Takubo faces charges under three key laws:
| Law | Violation Alleged | Potential Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Public Offices Election Law (Koshoku Senkyo Hou) | False academic info in campaign materials | Up to 3 years imprisonment or fine |
| Private Documents Forgery (Inkansha Mihonsho Gisou) | Possibly fabricating/showing fake diploma | Up to 5 years imprisonment |
| Local Autonomy Law (Chihou Jichi Hou) | False testimony, document refusal to Hyakujo Committee | Up to 1 year imprisonment or fine |
City Assembly’s Hyakujo Committee Investigation
The Hyakujo Committee (Article 100), empowered to compel testimony under penalty of perjury-like sanctions, demanded Takubo’s diploma and full attendance. Her partial compliance and denials led to the Local Autonomy violation charge. Councilors accused her of deliberate fraud after viewing the diploma, which reportedly mismatched university formats. This rare use of the committee in a local academic dispute signals deepening concerns over credential honesty in governance.
Gakureki Kashin: A Persistent Issue in Japanese Politics
Academic credential fraud, or gakureki kashin (false academic history), plagues Japanese public life. Notable cases include Senator Shinma Shoji (1992, convicted for election lies) and ongoing debates over Tokyo Gov. Yuriko Koike’s Cairo University claims. While no comprehensive statistics exist, media tallies dozens of politicians annually facing scrutiny, from local assembly to Diet members. A 2023 survey by a major newspaper found 15% of candidates had unverifiable claims.
In higher ed context, this erodes trust in degrees as gateways to higher education careers and public service. Universities like Waseda and Keio have faced similar alumni scandals, pushing for reforms.
Japan’s University Credential Verification Challenges
Japanese higher education lacks a national digital diploma registry, relying on self-reported data and ad-hoc verifications. The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) oversees standards, but private universities like Toyo handle records independently. Emerging solutions include blockchain pilots at Kyoto University and national ID-linked portals proposed in 2025 Diet discussions.
- Current Process: Request letter to registrar; response in weeks.
- Risks: Forgery easy with Photoshop; privacy blocks public databases.
- Solutions: QR-coded digital diplomas (testing at Tokyo Tech), API for employers.
This Takubo case may accelerate MEXT guidelines for public officials.Asahi Shimbun coverage notes calls for mandatory checks.
Public and Media Reaction
Japanese media, from NHK to Yahoo News, has extensively covered the scandal, with social media buzzing over Takubo’s defiance. Citizens express frustration at governance distractions, while supporters view it as political persecution. Polls show 70% believe credentials should be verifiable for office.
Stakeholders: Universities advocate privacy; politicians push transparency; academics warn of chilling effects on enrollment.
Implications for Higher Education and Reforms
This probe spotlights vulnerabilities in Japan’s higher ed ecosystem. Expulsions like Takubo’s affect thousands yearly (MEXT: ~10,000 cases), often due to fees amid rising costs (average private uni tuition ¥800,000/year). Solutions include:
- National Credential Authority.
- AI forgery detection for documents.
- Ethics training in political science programs.
Future outlook: By 2030, expect digitized records via MyNumber system integration. For those in higher ed careers, impeccable credentials are vital amid global scrutiny.
Lessons and Path Forward
Takubo’s saga serves as a cautionary tale: Verify credentials early via official channels. Aspiring leaders should consult professor ratings and alumni networks. AcademicJobs.com offers resources for genuine university jobs and higher ed positions in Japan. Explore career advice to build credible profiles. Prosecutorial outcomes will shape precedents for academic integrity.
