An initiative launched by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to foster cultural exchange between Japan and four African countries has sparked a widespread xenophobic backlash in Japan, fueled largely by misinformation and social media rumors. The program, revealed at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD9) held in Yokohama, symbolically designated four Japanese cities—Kisarazu, Nagai, Sanjo, and Imabari—as "hometowns" corresponding to Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana, and Mozambique, respectively. The goal was to encourage mutual cultural exchange, educational projects, volunteer activities, and youth sports programs to deepen cooperation and revitalize Japanese municipalities struggling with population decline and economic stagnation.
However, just days after the announcement, confusion rapidly escalated. Misleading reports emerged, including inaccurate claims by some African media and government officials suggesting that Japanese cities were being "handed over" or "dedicated" to the African partner countries. A statement from Nigerian officials, later deleted, asserted that special visas would be created to allow Nigerians to live and work permanently in Kisarazu. These statements spread widely on Japanese social media.
The four cities involved reported receiving hundreds of angry phone calls and thousands of emails from concerned residents asking whether immigration policies had changed. City officials routinely reassured the public that the program did not authorize relocation or immigration and was strictly limited to temporary cultural and educational exchanges. Mayors of the cities emphasized that the initiative focused on youth engagement in sports and volunteerism rather than permanent settlement.
The Japanese central government swiftly intervened, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs issuing statements denying any plans to open immigration pathways or issue special visas related to the program. They affirmed that any exchange participants would be temporary trainees returning to their home countries after completing their programs. JICA also firmly requested African governments and media to correct the misinformation, a call that led to the Nigerian government retracting its initial statements.
Despite these clarifications, social media continued to be rife with skepticism, hostile rhetoric, and xenophobic commentary. Some users demanded drastic political action against JICA, while others expressed fears about public safety, economic strain, and cultural shifts. The backlash reflects a deep-rooted tension within Japan, a country known for its historically strict immigration policies and its largely ethnically homogeneous population.
The controversy has overshadowed the original program’s objectives of fostering goodwill and mutual understanding between Japan and African countries. For now, JICA remains committed to the symbolic cultural partnerships and exchange programs, hoping to restore confidence and focus attention on international development cooperation.
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