Japan Immigration News

Review eyed as anger continues for Japan-Africa ‘hometown’ plan

Release Date: 2025-09-16
Media: The Asahi Shimbun
Summary: A Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) initiative aimed at fostering Japan-Africa relations through “hometown” partnerships between Japanese cities and African countries has been met with intense backlash due to misinformation.

The controversy began after a media report misinterpreted the program as a large-scale immigration plan involving special visas for Africans. Social media amplified the misunderstanding, sparking public outrage, acts of vandalism, and calls to dismantle JICA.

Despite repeated government clarifications that the program involves only short-term internships with the expectation that participants return home, cities like Kisarazu, Sanjo, Nagai, and Imabari have faced thousands of angry calls, graffiti, and online harassment.

The misinformation stemmed from:

A Tanzanian newspaper headline misusing the word “dedicate” instead of “designate.”

A mistaken statement by Nigeria’s presidential office claiming Japan would create a visa pathway for Nigerians to live and work in Japan.

Due to the uproar:

Visits from African delegations have been canceled.

JICA is reassessing the program’s future.

The Japanese government is enhancing misinformation detection systems.

Officials stress that the initiative does not promote immigration, and local governments urge calm and fact-based understanding. The backlash is part of a broader trend of skepticism toward international aid and immigration in Japan.
Tags: Fact Check

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