Attempt to partner African countries with Japanese cities triggers xenophobic backlash

<p>Cities in Japan have received thousands of complaints amid confusion over scheme that was intended to foster closer ties</p><p>An attempt to promote friendship between <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/japan">Japan</a> and countries in Africa has transformed into a xenophobic row about migration after inaccurate media reports suggested the scheme would lead to a “flood of immigrants”.</p><p>The controversy erupted after the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA, said this month it had designated four Japanese cities as “Africa hometowns” for partner countries in Africa: Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana and Tanzania.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/aug/27/attempt-to-partner-african-countries-with-japanese-cities-triggers-xenophobic-backlash">Continue reading...</a>