Japan’s government moved to quell a wave of online misinformation claiming that a new cultural-exchange initiative would open the door to mass African immigration. The controversy erupted after the Japan International Cooperation Agency on 21 August designated four municipalities—Kisarazu, Nagai, Sanjo and Imabari—as “Africa Hometowns”, pairing them with Nigeria, Tanzania, Ghana and Mozambique to deepen grassroots ties agreed at TICAD 9. Foreign media reports and social-media posts incorrectly asserted that Tokyo planned to issue special visas allowing Africans to settle and work permanently in the host cities. The stories triggered a flood of calls and emails: Kisarazu City Hall fielded more than 1,000 enquiries on 25–26 August, while Imabari logged about 450 calls and upward of 1,000 emails in three days. Some online maps even mislabeled Kisarazu’s city office as “Nigeria City Hall.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi told reporters the programme “does not envisage encouraging immigration or issuing any special visas.” He said the exchange is limited to short-term training and internships, with participants expected to return home after completion. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has asked Nigeria and other partner governments to correct statements suggesting otherwise. JICA likewise stressed that no new visa category is under consideration and requested corrections from the outlets that ran the erroneous claims. Municipal leaders echoed the denial, with Kisarazu Mayor Yoshikuni Watanabe urging residents to remain calm while officials provide accurate information. The agency plans to continue the exchange project, which aims to spur local revitalisation in Japan and skills development in the partner nations.