Japan cancels Africa exchange program after misinformation sparks immigration backlash

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.