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Japan Faces Backlash Over Africa Hometown Partnership Program

Japan Faces Backlash Over Africa Hometown Partnership Program
Saralnama

Japan's plan to link four cities with African countries caused confusion and complaints. The Japan International Cooperation Agency named Imabari, Kisarazu, Sanjo, and Nagai as 'Africa hometowns' for Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania. Some media wrongly reported the program would allow many African immigrants to move to these cities. This led to thousands of angry calls and emails to city offices. Officials clarified the program promotes cultural and educational exchanges, not immigration or special visas. Japan's government denied any plans to accept immigrants or issue special visas. The misunderstanding was worsened by inaccurate news and social media posts. The cities stressed the program aims to build friendship and cooperation, not migration. The Nigerian and Tanzanian governments were asked to correct false reports. The program was announced during an international conference on African development in Yokohama in August 2025. (Updated 27 Aug 2025, 11:40 IST; source: link)