Key Facts
• August 21, 2025: JICA announced four Japanese cities as ‘Africa Hometowns.’
• Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, paired with Tanzania under the initiative.
• Local media in Tanzania reported, ‘Japan dedicates Nagai City to Tanzania.’
• Nagai City clarified: No plans to become part of Tanzania or accept immigrants.
• The initiative aims to foster regional revitalization and international exchange.
• Other cities involved: Imabari (Mozambique), Kisarazu (Nigeria), Sanjo (Ghana).
• Misinterpretation of ‘dedicates’ caused concerns on social media.
• Nagai City Mayor Shigeharu Uchitani issued a statement denying false claims.
• Kisarazu City also denied immigration-related rumors in a separate statement.
• The program is part of the TICAD9 conference held in Yokohama.
Summary
Nagai City, Yamagata Prefecture, has denied reports suggesting it would become part of Tanzania or accept immigrants under the JICA ‘Africa Hometowns’ initiative. The program, announced during the TICAD9 conference on August 21, 2025, aims to strengthen ties between Japanese municipalities and African nations. Nagai City was paired with Tanzania, alongside Imabari (Mozambique), Kisarazu (Nigeria), and Sanjo (Ghana). Misinterpretations of the term ‘dedicates’ in Tanzanian media led to social media concerns, prompting Mayor Shigeharu Uchitani to issue a statement clarifying the city’s role. Kisarazu City also addressed similar rumors. The initiative focuses on regional revitalization and international exchange, with no plans for immigration or territorial changes.
