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JICA Ends Japan–Africa “Hometown” Exchange Initiative Following Public Backlash
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has decided to discontinue its recently launched “Africa Hometown” exchange initiative, less than six weeks after it was announced. The decision follows widespread public misunderstanding about the program’s objectives and growing pressure on the participating municipalities.
Background of the Initiative
Unveiled on August 21 during the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD) in Yokohama, the program sought to promote cultural and economic exchanges between local communities in Japan and African nations. JICA had paired Mozambique with Imabari (Ehime Prefecture), Nigeria with Kisarazu (Chiba Prefecture), Ghana with Sanjo (Niigata Prefecture), and Tanzania with Nagai (Yamagata Prefecture).
According to JICA, the initiative aimed to strengthen mutual understanding and cooperation. However, speculation spread online and in some media outlets claiming the program was designed to encourage immigration or permanent settlement of Africans in Japan.
Spread of Misinformation
Social media activity amplified the rumors, with misleading posts suggesting Japan would offer special visas to African participants. NHK’s analysis using Brandwatch showed that between August 23 and September 24, posts containing the keyword “hometown” reached more than 4.4 million views. Some of these posts called for JICA’s dissolution, and small-scale protests occurred outside the agency’s Tokyo headquarters.
Local governments involved in the initiative reported receiving thousands of calls and emails opposing the project. In Imabari City, officials recorded around 6,000 inquiries by late September, and graffiti reading “Stop Immigration” was found in a city hall restroom. Officials said the controversy had placed heavy strain on municipal staff.
JICA’s Response
On Thursday, JICA President Tanaka Akihiko said the agency had worked to clarify the program’s intent but ultimately decided to withdraw it, including its title, due to the negative impact on the local governments’ daily operations. He added that JICA would review the initiative’s framework and continue to explore ways to support international exchange in the future.
Local Reactions
The mayors of the four participating cities issued a joint statement expressing understanding for JICA’s decision while reaffirming their commitment to local development. Nagai’s mayor described the outcome as “regrettable,” saying he had viewed Tanzania as a promising partner for future cooperation and hoped to pursue similar exchange opportunities with caution moving forward.
