Japan Scraps Africa Hometown Program Amid Misinformation Storm

The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has abruptly canceled its innovative “Africa Hometown” initiative, designed to foster cultural and economic ties between Japanese cities and African nations, following a wave of public backlash fueled by misinformation. The decision, announced by JICA, comes after the program’s concept and terminology sparked widespread confusion and protests in Japan.

Launched at the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), the initiative aimed to pair four Japanese municipalities—Kisarazu with Nigeria, Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique—as symbolic “hometowns” to promote exchanges in education, business, and culture. The program sought to strengthen existing relationships through events and personnel exchanges, positioning Japan as a key partner in Africa’s development.

However, the term “hometown” and JICA’s role in designating these partnerships triggered a flood of misinterpretations, with social media amplifying false claims that the initiative was a gateway for African immigration to Japan. Erroneous reports, including a now-retracted statement from Nigeria suggesting special visas for its citizens, intensified the controversy, overwhelming local governments with complaints. One municipality reportedly received up to 6,000 calls and emails, with some protests escalating to vandalism, including anti-immigration graffiti at Imabari City Hall.

JICA President Akihiko Tanaka addressed the issue at a press conference, emphasizing that the agency has never supported immigration initiatives and has no plans to do so. “The term ‘hometown’ caused unintended confusion, disrupting the environment for meaningful exchanges,” Tanaka said. “We regret the burden placed on the municipalities and have decided to withdraw the initiative.” He clarified that the cancellation was not a concession to misinformation but a pragmatic step to protect local operations.

Despite the setback, JICA remains committed to fostering international partnerships, including with African nations, through alternative frameworks that avoid similar misunderstandings. The agency has pledged to consult with affected municipalities to develop new exchange programs focused on mutual benefit and cultural collaboration. The mayors of the four cities issued a joint statement expressing disappointment but reaffirming their dedication to local development and future global cooperation.

The episode underscores the challenges of navigating public perception in an era of rapid misinformation, particularly on sensitive issues like immigration in Japan, where foreigners comprise just 3% of the workforce. As JICA reevaluates its approach, the focus remains on building bridges with Africa while ensuring clarity and public support for such initiatives.