Attempt to partner African countries with Japanese cities triggers xenophobic backlash

Cities in Japan have received thousands of complaints amid confusion over scheme that was intended to foster closer ties

An attempt to promote friendship between Japan 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”.

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.