The Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) faced widespread misinformation and controversy following its announcement of the "Africa Hometown" initiative at the Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9). The program, which designates four Japanese municipalities as "hometowns" linked with African nations to promote cultural exchange and human resource circulation, was falsely reported by some domestic and international sources as a plan to issue special visas for African immigrants to settle in Japan. Japan's Foreign Ministry and JICA have repeatedly denied these claims, emphasizing that there is no consideration or plan for special visa issuance or increased immigration under this initiative. The misinformation led to a surge of complaints and inquiries directed at the involved municipalities, including Kisarazu in Chiba Prefecture and Sanjo City, with some cities receiving thousands of calls and emails. The Japanese government formally requested the Nigerian government to correct inaccurate statements, resulting in the removal of a Nigerian presidential press release that had incorrectly stated Japan would create a special visa category for skilled Nigerian youth. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Hayashi reiterated that the initiative does not promote immigration. Local officials, including the mayor of Imabari City, have urged the public to respond calmly amid the confusion. The incident highlights challenges in communication and the spread of false information surrounding international cooperation programs.