Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is considering renaming its “hometown” project. This initiative aims to strengthen people-to-people exchanges between Japan and African countries. Moreover, the project pairs Japanese cities with African nations to foster mutual understanding and cooperation.
The potential renaming follows the spread of false information on social media. Some posts claimed the project would lead to an increase in immigration to Japan. Consequently, these misleading narratives have caused public concern and confusion.
In response, JICA and the Japanese Foreign Ministry are taking action. They plan to consult with the four Japanese cities involved in the project. Additionally, their goal is to address the misinformation and clarify the project’s true intentions.
The four cities currently participating in the program are Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture, Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture, Sanjo in Niigata Prefecture, and Imabari in Ehime Prefecture. Furthermore, the program pairs Nagai with Tanzania, Kisarazu with Nigeria, Sanjo with Ghana, and Imabari with Mozambique.
The “hometown” project encourages cultural exchanges, educational programs, and mutual support between the paired cities and countries. Therefore, it aims to promote global understanding and solidarity, not to alter immigration patterns.
JICA emphasizes that the project does not involve resettling immigrants or altering Japan’s immigration policies. Instead, the initiative focuses solely on fostering international friendship and cooperation through local-level partnerships.
The agency is committed to transparency and open communication. By engaging with local governments and the public, JICA seeks to dispel misconceptions and ensure the project’s objectives are clearly understood.
In conclusion, the consideration of renaming the “hometown” project highlights the importance of accurate information. Moreover, JICA remains dedicated to its mission of promoting international exchanges and strengthening global ties. Through continued dialogue and clarification, the agency aims to maintain public trust and garner widespread support for its initiatives. for its initiatives.
