Japan has scrapped its Africa Hometown cultural exchange initiative following a wave of online misinformation and anti-immigration rhetoric. The program, which paired Japanese cities with African communities, aimed to build cultural understanding—not facilitate migration. However, a false claim about a “special visa” spread widely online, sparking public outrage. Here's what happened, why it matters, and how fake news is shaping immigration policy in Japan.


Japan cancels Africa exchange program after misinformation sparks immigration backlash

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Japan cancels Africa exchange program after misinformation sparks immigration backlash