Japan’s international aid agency has scrapped a cultural exchange programme with African nations after widespread misinformation fuelled fears of mass immigration into regional cities.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced on Thursday that it would cancel the “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative, which was designed to strengthen cultural and social ties between four African countries and the Japanese municipalities of Kisarazu, Sanjo, Imabari, and Nagai.
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Instead of fostering goodwill, the project triggered a wave of public anxiety. Local authorities said they were overwhelmed by a flood of phone calls and emails from residents who mistakenly believed the initiative was a new immigration scheme.
“The project caused misunderstandings and confusion,” JICA President Akihiko Tanaka told reporters. “The Africa Hometown initiative will be withdrawn.”
The misinformation was fuelled by a Nigerian government statement suggesting Japan would “create a special visa category,” as well as social media speculation that the programme would allow Africans to settle permanently in Japan.
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Despite repeated denials from JICA and the participating municipalities, the rumours continued to circulate, forcing the cancellation. Officials said the backlash had disrupted daily operations in the towns involved.
The controversy comes at a sensitive time for Japan, where immigration remains a divisive issue. Foreign nationals make up just three per cent of the workforce, yet right-wing parties such as Sanseito have gained support by pushing for tougher border controls.
Japan is grappling with a shrinking and ageing population, but political resistance to immigration remains strong. Analysts say the episode highlights the challenges faced by government agencies and aid bodies in promoting cross-cultural exchange against a backdrop of rising anti-immigrant sentiment.
Tanaka stressed that while the Africa Hometown initiative has been withdrawn, JICA will continue to organize international exchange programmes, including with African nations, but without any immigration component.
