Japan’s aid agency, the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), has scrapped its ‘Africa Hometown’ initiative following widespread confusion and public concern over supposed migration benefits.
Programme Aimed at Cultural and Educational Exchanges
Launched in August during the 9th Tokyo International Conference on African Development, the programme was originally designed to foster cultural, educational, and social exchanges between four Japanese cities: Kisarazu, Sanjo, Imabari, and Nagai, and four African countries; Nigeria, Ghana, Mozambique, and Tanzania.
However, it was mistakenly reported as providing pathways for African migrants to settle in Japan. JICA stressed that the initiative did not include any immigration provisions or special visa arrangements.
Official Statement from JICA
“The project caused misunderstandings and confusion,” JICA President Akihiko Tanaka said at a press conference. “The Africa Hometown initiative will be withdrawn.” He added that the agency would continue to support international exchange programmes but clarified it does not handle immigration issues.
Confusion Over ‘Hometown’ Designation
Confusion escalated in August after the Nigerian State House announced that Japan had designated Kisarazu as the “hometown” for Nigerians and would introduce a special visa category for young, skilled Nigerians wishing to live and work there.
The Japanese government quickly dismissed the claim. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan clarified that the initiative was intended to foster cultural and developmental exchanges, not immigration.
The Japanese Embassy in Nigeria also acted swiftly, phoning Business Insider Africa shortly after the announcement to clarify the situation and correct the false reports about migration benefits for Nigerians.
The confusion was further compounded after Nigeria’s Chargé d’Affaires in Japan, Florence Akinyemi Adeseke, and Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe publicly received a certificate naming the city the “hometown” of Nigerians, fuelling reports of migration opportunities.
Also read: 4 African countries get official hometowns in Japan under new exchange initiative
JICA’s Official Explanation
In a statement, JICA said:
“Originally, under this initiative, it was envisioned that exchange programs would be coordinated and implemented among the Japanese local governments, relevant African countries, and JICA. The specific details were to be determined later. However, JICA believes that the very nature of this initiative—namely, the term ‘hometown’ and the fact that JICA would ‘designate’ Japanese local Governments as ‘hometowns’—led to misunderstandings and confusion within Japan, placing an excessive burden on the four municipalities. JICA sincerely apologizes to the municipalities involved for causing such situation. JICA takes this situation seriously. After consulting with all parties involved, JICA has decided to withdraw the ‘JICA Africa Hometown’ initiative.”
Context and Public Reaction
The cancellation comes amid rising anti-immigration sentiment in Japan, where foreigners make up just three percent of the workforce. Local officials reported being overwhelmed by thousands of inquiries from residents concerned about a potential influx of migrants.
Also read: Africa becomes Japan’s new frontier with investment plans worth billions
Future of International Exchanges
JICA reiterated that the initiative’s goal was always cultural and developmental exchange, not immigration, and confirmed it would continue to support international exchange programs in the future.
