A Japanese initiative designed to strengthen ties with African countries has turned into a domestic row over migration after misleading reports circulated online.
The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) recently announced that four Japanese cities—Imabari, Kisarazu, Sanjo, and Nagai—would be paired with Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania as part of a cultural exchange programme.
The plan involves personnel visits, youth projects, and community events aimed at building closer connections.
Soon after the announcement, inaccurate media coverage in Africa and misinterpretations in Japan suggested the initiative meant large numbers of Africans would move to the partner cities.
This triggered an outpouring of complaints from residents, with thousands of emails and phone calls directed at local governments.
Some social media users wrongly claimed the cities were preparing to open doors to mass migration.
Officials in the four municipalities have been forced to respond publicly, clarifying that the partnerships do not involve immigration or special visas.
They stressed that activities will remain limited to cultural exchange, education programmes, and community cooperation.
Japan’s government also stepped in to reject the false claims, stating there are no plans to introduce migration schemes linked to the project.
JICA has urged media outlets in Africa to correct misleading reports, noting that several articles wrongly suggested permanent settlement opportunities for citizens of the partner countries.
Local misinterpretations were further fueled by translation issues.
Aheadline in Tanzania describing Nagai as “dedicated” to the country was mistranslated in Japanese to imply the city was being given away.
Nigeria’s government also published details suggesting new visa categories for its citizens, which Tokyo has since asked to be corrected.
The controversy has shed light on growing sensitivities in Japan about migration, as well as the challenges of cross-border communication.
For now, JICA and city officials continue to stress that the initiative is about cultural bridges rather than population movement.