Misinformation and populist rhetoric raise alarms and encourage abandonment of cultural plans intended to strengthen relationships.
Released on September 25th, 2025
Japan’s foreign aid agencies have abolished the cultural exchange initiative with African countries after an online misinformation campaign led to fears about a torrent of complaints and an increase in immigration.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced on Thursday that it would cancel its African hometown scheme. He says the episode shows the potential impact of fake news and populist narratives to shape transition policies.
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Despite enforcing some of the world’s strictest immigration rules, Japan has seen a growing hostility towards foreigners, despite the shrinking workforce raising concerns about future economic sustainability.
The African Hometown Scheme combines Japanese cities in four regions with communities from four African countries. It was designed to promote training and cultural understanding, but was not linked to visas or migration.
However, the false Nigerian government statement regarding the “special visa category” helped to promote false claims online.
Critics of Prime Minister Isbaiba have accused him of planning to bring “millions of Africans and Kurds” to Japan on social media.
Before it shaking, the claim spread widely and helped to give an opinion from Elon Musk, the owner of X’s billionaire. He has been criticized for using far-right narratives for several quarters to try to interfere in the politics of other countries.
Commenting on his claims regarding the Japan Plan, he wrote:
As a result, local governments struggled to deal with the flood of complaints and were forced to suspend normal operations.
JICA’s Tanaka Akita said the backlash overwhelmed local governments that participated.
“The reaction spread based on misunderstanding and confusion,” he told reporters in Tokyo. “The African Hometown initiative will be withdrawn.”
Local media reported that one city made as many as 200 angry calls a day.
Tanaka emphasized that JICA will continue its international exchange efforts, including its African partners, but the agency emphasized that it “is not addressing the issue of immigration.”
Politicians acknowledge that Japan’s aging population requires more foreign labor, but leaders are cautious about opening permanent immigration channels.
While immigrants only make up about 3% of Japan’s population, the “Japan’s first” Sansate Party has gained traction in pursuit of stricter border control.
