Japan denies giving away city to Tanzania after misinformation sparks anti-immigration backlash

In Imabari, Japan, officials received a large number of complaints related to misinformation regarding a cultural exchange with a partner nation in Africa.

CNN
Japan’s government would like you to know: no, they’re not giving away a city to Tanzania.

Authorities have been in damage control mode for the last few days after widespread misinformation about a cultural exchange program sparked a public panic – reflecting Japan’s conservative attitudes toward immigration and a recent rise in anti-foreigner sentiment.

The controversy began when Japanese authorities announced a new initiative last week under the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which cooperates with global partners on issues including climate change and healthcare.

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