Overview

• JICA has decided to cancel the HomeTown initiative and plans to announce the move on September 25.
• The agency cites persistent protest calls and emails to participating municipalities that created an excessive burden.
• The government is weighing a name change for the initiative and will hold consultations with the four designated cities.
• Misinformation included an incorrect Nigerian government post suggesting Japan would issue special visas and claims the program promoted immigration.
• Announced in August, the program paired Nagai with Tanzania, Sanjo with Ghana, Kisarazu with Nigeria, and Imabari with Mozambique for people-to-people exchange, which JICA still aims to support after a review.