Japan Withdraws Africa Hometown Project After Public Backlash

Sep 26, 2025 | News On Japan

TOKYO - The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) announced on September 25th that it will withdraw its "Africa Hometown" project, with President Akihiko Tanaka explaining at a press conference that widespread misunderstanding had created excessive burdens for local governments.

The initiative, launched in August, was designed to promote exchanges with Africa by designating four municipalities as official "hometowns" of African countries. Plans included hosting interns through training programs, but online rumors suggesting that the project aimed to promote immigration spread widely on social media, fueling criticism of both JICA and the municipalities.

Tanaka said that misleading reports abroad had triggered reactions based on misunderstanding, and that the very concept of designating municipalities as "hometowns" had deepened confusion within Japan. He apologized to the four municipalities, stressing that the project had in fact placed an undue burden on them.

He also emphasized that JICA has never undertaken, nor does it intend to undertake, initiatives aimed at promoting immigration. At the same time, Tanaka underlined that fostering international exchange with foreign countries, including those in Africa, remains important and that JICA will continue supporting such efforts in the future.

Tanaka further stated that the organization would maintain strict management regarding the entry and stay of foreign nationals involved in JICA programs, ensuring oversight remains in place.

Source: FNN

Slow-Moving Typhoon No. 13 Continues to Lash Okinawa

As of 10 p.m. on August 7, Typhoon No. 13 was moving slowly west-northwest over waters northwest of Kumejima, with forecasters warning that violent winds and heavy rain could return even after temporary lulls as spiral rainbands continue to sweep across Okinawa and Amami.

Flights Canceled and Trains Fill as Typhoon Hits Travel Season

Japan's Obon travel rush began on August 7 under severe disruption from Typhoon No. 13, with hundreds of flights canceled across Okinawa and Kagoshima as Shinkansen trains and expressways prepared for their main outbound peak on August 8, while a second typhoon raised concerns about further travel trouble next week.

Instant Houses Installed in Kumamoto Disaster Area

Requests for rapidly constructed "instant houses" are growing across areas of Kumamoto Prefecture devastated by the recent earthquake, providing air-conditioned temporary shelter for residents who have been sleeping in tents and vehicles beside their damaged homes.

Toyota Futuristic City Begins Recruiting Residents

Toyota Motor has begun recruiting residents of Shizuoka Prefecture to live in Woven City, its experimental community for developing future technologies, with about 25 households expected to move into the site for two years from March 2027.

Supermarket Becomes Lifeline for Quake-Stricken Kumamoto

Nine days after the Kumamoto earthquake, a supermarket in Hikawa, where the strongest seismic intensity of 7 was recorded, is moving toward reopening while providing free groundwater to residents as about 3,200 households remain without running water.

MEDIA CHANNELS

MORE Politics NEWS

BOJ Rate Pressure Puts Takaichi’s Economic Agenda Under Scrutiny

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s economic strategy faced renewed pressure on August 7 as attention shifted toward the Bank of Japan’s September policy meeting, with central bank officials preparing a series of public appearances that could signal whether another interest-rate hike is becoming likely after recent yen turmoil and fiscal concerns.

Hiroshima Marks 81 Years Since Atomic Bombing With Peace Ceremony

Hiroshima marked the 81st anniversary of the atomic bombing on August 6 with a peace memorial ceremony at Peace Memorial Park, where Mayor Kazumi Matsui warned of the growing danger that nuclear weapons could be used and called for renewed action toward their abolition.

Japan Moves to Slash Food Consumption Tax

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government formally approved a plan on August 5 to reduce the consumption tax rate on food and nonalcoholic beverages from 8% to 1% for two years beginning in April 2027, setting the stage for a difficult parliamentary battle over how to cover an estimated 10 trillion yen revenue shortfall and whether the politically sensitive tax can be restored afterward.

Japan Defense White Paper Sparks Debate Over Military Buildup

Japan’s latest defense white paper has sparked controversy by presenting the country’s expanding military buildup not only as a national security necessity but also as a potential engine of economic growth, drawing criticism from China and raising fresh domestic questions over how far Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government is prepared to link defense, industry and fiscal policy.

Takaichi Tax Cut Clears LDP As BOJ Pressure Deepens Market Test

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s food-tax cut plan cleared a major ruling party hurdle on August 5, intensifying debate over whether her government can deliver household relief without weakening fiscal credibility or drawing the Bank of Japan deeper into the administration’s economic agenda.

Zelenskyy Orders Stronger Diplomatic Engagement With Japan

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy instructed diplomatic officials on August 3 to strengthen relations with Japan, expressing disappointment with the results achieved so far and raising speculation that Kyiv is seeking Japanese weapons supplies.

Japan Plans Stricter Permanent Residency Rules for Foreign Nationals

Japan's Immigration Services Agency on August 4 released draft guidelines that would tighten the requirements for foreign nationals seeking permanent residency, including new income and pension standards designed to ensure applicants have economic conditions equal to or better than those of Japanese people.

Takaichi Faces Yen And Defense Spending Test As Inflation Debate Widens

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi’s government faced a widening policy test on August 4 as officials tried to calm inflation concerns after rare U.S.-Japan yen intervention, while the latest defense white paper framed Japan’s military buildup as part of a broader strategy for economic growth and national resilience.

< 2 3 4 5 >