Protests Erupt in Japan Over Anti-Immigration Sentiment Linked to JICA's Africa Hometown Initiative

Recent anti-immigration protests have surfaced across Japan in reaction to a new initiative aimed at creating "hometowns" for individuals from Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, and Tanzania. The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) designated four cities—Imabari, Kisarazu, Sanjo, and Nagai—intending to foster ties with these countries through various events and participation of overseas volunteers. This initiative is seen as a means to address demographic shifts and economic struggles within Japanese communities while also aiding African nations facing their own challenges.

However, the response from local residents has been overwhelmingly negative, leading to demonstrations in cities like Osaka and Tokyo. In a notable backlash, officials in Sanjo reported an influx of communication, receiving 350 phone calls and 3,500 emails in just three days from concerned residents, with similar outpouring in Imabari where officials received 460 calls and 1,400 emails. Additionally, large gatherings of protesters in Tokyo voiced their frustrations outside of the JICA’s headquarters, holding signs advocating for the protection of Japanese citizens and decrying an increase in immigration.

In light of the unrest, Yoshimasa Hayashi, Japan’s chief cabinet secretary, addressed the public to refute claims about special visas or immigration policies pertaining to these African countries as unfounded. He emphasized that while volunteers from Africa would indeed come to Japan, they are expected to return home following their training programs. Furthermore, JICA clarified that reports suggesting that any of the designated cities would become a part of Tanzania or that there was a push for immigration were completely inaccurate, aiming to dispel any misunderstandings surrounding the initiative.