Japan Cancels “Africa Hometown” Project After Visa Confusion!

Japan Cancels “Africa Hometown” Project After Visa Confusion!

Sele Media Africa
www.selemedia.org
Reported by Marian Opeyemi Fasesan | Sele Media Africa Reporter

Tokyo — The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) has officially announced the cancellation of its “JICA Africa Hometown” initiative, citing widespread misunderstanding and confusion after misinformation spread that the program would grant visa privileges or facilitate immigration for Africans. [1]

What Was the “Africa Hometown” Initiative?

• Launched during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9), the initiative was intended to foster cultural, educational, and people‑to‑people exchanges between selected Japanese municipalities and African partner countries. [1]
• The municipalities involved included Kisarazu (Chiba Prefecture, Japan) for Nigeria, along with Sanjo, Nagai, and Imabari paired with Ghana, Tanzania, and Mozambique respectively. [2]
• JICA clarified the program was not designed to provide immigration pathways or special visas for participants. [3] Why It Was Scrapped: Misinformation, Backlash & Burden on Local Governments
• Despite the cancellation, JICA stressed it will continue promoting international exchanges with African partners, though under revised models to avoid similar confusion. [1]
• The incident highlights how misinformation and miscommunication can derail well‑intended cultural initiatives, especially when sensitive topics like migration are involved.
• The backlash also underscores how immigration fears and xenophobia can be ignited by distorted narratives, placing pressure on governments and agencies to carefully manage public messaging. [6]
• The cancellation followed a torrent of misinformation—notably false claims that Japan would issue special visas or open its borders to Africans under the scheme. These assertions fueled public outcry in Japan. [4]
• Confusion was exacerbated by an erroneous statement by the Nigerian government referring to a “special visa category,” which many social media users seized on to portray the project as immigration‑oriented. [2]
• Local governments participating in the project reportedly faced hundreds of calls, emails, and protests from residents fearing an influx of migrants. The municipalities became overwhelmed by the negative response. [4]
• At a press conference, JICA President Akihiko Tanaka said:
  “Reactions spread based on misunderstandings and confusion … The Africa Hometown initiative will be withdrawn.” [4]
• He emphasized that the term “hometown” may have unintentionally suggested permanent ties or residence, contributing to the confusion. [5]
• In its formal announcement, JICA apologized to the municipalities involved for the burden and stated:
  “JICA has never undertaken initiatives to promote immigration and has no plans to do so in the future.” [1]

Citations:

1. JICA: www.jica.go.jp/english/information/notice/2025/1573131_66428.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
2. Nippon: www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025092500297/jica-to-abandon-hometown-project-with-african-countries.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
3. JICA: www.jica.go.jp/english/information/notice/2025/1572980_66428.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
4. Al Jazeera: www.aljazeera.com/economy/2025/9/25/japan-cuts-africa-exchange-programme-amid-fake-immigration-claims?utm_source=chatgpt.com
5. Nippon: www.nippon.com/en/news/yjj2025092500917/jica-withdraws-hometown-initiative-with-african-countries.html?utm_source=chatgpt.com
6. The Guardian: www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/27/attempt-to-partner-african-countries-with-japanese-cities-triggers-xenophobic-backlash?utm_source=chatgpt.com

About The Author

Marian Opeyemi Fasesan

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Marian Opeyemi Fasesan is a dynamic journalist and editorial leader committed to excellence in news reporting and storytelling. As the Managing Editor of Sele Media Africa, she ensures daily operations run smoothly while upholding the highest editorial standards. With a strong eye for detail and deep understanding of audience engagement, Marian coordinates content across platforms, guiding teams to produce compelling, timely, and credible news. Her leadership reflects the heart of Sele Media Africa’s mission—to inform, inspire, and elevate voices across the continent.

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