Key Facts
• August 26, 2025: Mayor Shigetaki Tokunaga addressed complaints in a press conference.
• 5,000 complaints received via social media, phone, and email by 9 a.m. the same day.
• The project, led by JICA, designates four Japanese cities as “hometowns” for African nations.
• Mayor emphasized no intent to promote immigration or compromise public safety.
• Claims of “special work visas” and territorial transfers by foreign media were denied.
• JICA was asked to correct misinformation and provide accurate updates.
• Imabari hosts over 4,000 foreign workers in shipbuilding and towel industries.
• Mayor acknowledged public concerns but reiterated the project focuses on international exchange.
• Official website to continue providing clarifications to counter misinformation.
Summary
Imabari City, designated as a “hometown” for African nations under a JICA initiative, has faced backlash with 5,000 complaints by August 26, 2025. Mayor Shigetaki Tokunaga clarified that the project aims to foster international exchange and human resource development, not immigration. He denied claims of special work visas or territorial transfers, attributing the uproar to misinformation spread on social media. The city, home to over 4,000 foreign workers, plans to address concerns through transparent communication on its official website.
