Japan Cancels Africa Exchange Programme Over False Immigration Claims

Japan's international aid agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has cancelled its "Africa Hometown" cultural exchange program following widespread misinformation and public backlash falsely claiming it would lead to mass migration from African countries to Japan. The initiative, designed to promote cultural and social ties between four African nations and four Japanese regional cities, was misconstrued as creating special immigration pathways or visa categories, particularly for Nigerians, which both JICA and the Japanese government denied. The confusion was fueled by an erroneous statement from the Nigerian government and amplified on social media, including by influential figures spreading anti-immigration rhetoric, leading to an overwhelming number of complaints that disrupted local municipal functions. Despite Japan's strict immigration policies and a shrinking workforce, growing hostility toward foreigners and right-wing political pressure contributed to the negative reaction. JICA's president emphasized that the agency does not handle immigration matters and plans to continue international exchange programs without any immigration components. This episode highlights the significant impact of misinformation and populist narratives on migration policy and international cooperation efforts.