Japan Withdraws Africa Hometown Project After Public Backlash

TOKYO, Sep 26 (News On Japan) - 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

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