The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has announced the cancellation of its much-publicized “Africa Hometown” exchange programme, following widespread backlash and misinformation that the initiative was a hidden immigration scheme.
The project, unveiled during Japan’s Africa development conference in August, was designed to foster cultural and social exchanges between four African countries and regional Japanese cities — Kisarazu, Sanjo, Imabari, and Nagai. It was meant to provide training and cultural ties, not immigration pathways.
However, the announcement quickly spiraled into controversy after false claims spread online suggesting that the programme would lead to an influx of African migrants. The situation escalated further when a mistaken statement from the Nigerian government claimed that Japan would “create a special visa category.”
The misinformation triggered a wave of panic, with local city officials receiving thousands of calls and emails from residents opposing the initiative. Many municipalities admitted they became so overwhelmed that their normal operations were disrupted.
Addressing the controversy, JICA President Akihiko Tanaka said at a press conference:
“The project caused misunderstandings and confusion. The Africa Hometown initiative will be withdrawn.”
The cancellation reflects Japan’s growing anti-immigration sentiment, even as experts warn that the country’s shrinking population and aging workforce make foreign workers increasingly necessary. Currently, foreigners make up just 3% of Japan’s workforce, while right-wing parties like Sanseito continue pushing for “stricter immigration rules.”
Despite the setback, JICA insisted it would continue running other international exchange programmes — including with Africa — but stressed that it does not handle immigration issues.
#Japan #Africa #Immigration #JICA #JapanNews #GlobalPolitics #Nigeria #AfricaHometown #MigrationCrisis #InternationalRelations
