On January 14, the Shizuoka Prefectural Police conducted a search at the home of former Ito Mayor Maki Takubo as part of an investigation into alleged violations of the Public Office Election Act. Takubo has recently been criminally charged for publicly presenting false academic qualifications during her campaign, which has raised questions about her integrity as a public official. A source close to Takubo disclosed that she had previously denied the accusations during a voluntary questioning on January 29.

The police had requested documents purportedly serving as her graduation certificates; however, Takubo exercised her right to refuse submission based on legal grounds, indicating she did not possess these documents at her home during the search. Takubo had claimed to have graduated from Toyo University in a document she submitted to the media at the time of her candidacy for mayor last year. However, it was found that she had been expelled from the university, which has fueled allegations against her.

Additionally, after facing two votes of no confidence from the city council, Takubo lost her position as mayor and subsequently ran for re-election in December but was defeated. The investigation unfolds in a context of increasing scrutiny regarding political candidates' qualifications in Japan, highlighting the importance of accountability in public service and the potential implications for Takubo's political future.